The Vikings have quite the lengthy initial injury report on Wednesday as they prepare to play the Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium in four days’ time.
QB Jaren Hall and WR K.J. Osborn remain in the concussion protocol, so they didn’t practice.
There’s a multi-phase process that has to play out before either player could be cleared to participate in football activity.
Also not practicing was DL Dean Lowry, who missed Sunday’s game in Atlanta with a groin injury.
TE T.J. Hockenson (ribs) and LT Christian Darrisaw (groin) were both limited participants on Wednesday.
Darrisaw missed the Falcons game, while Hockenson took a big hit to his ribs but battled through it and remained on the field.
Those are two of the Vikings’ stars on offense, so they’re hoping to have them on Sunday against New Orleans. It’ll all depend on how they progress over the next couple days.
WR Justin Jefferson (hamstring) was also listed as limited in his first practice since having his return window opened.
He remains on IR and must be activated within the next 21 days to play again this season.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said it would be “a little aggressive” to think Jefferson could play on Sunday.
At this point, it’s unclear if Jefferson will return in Week 11 against the Broncos, Week 12 against the Bears, or perhaps even after the Vikings’ Week 13 bye.
Also limited on Wednesday were TE Johnny Mundt (knee) and LB Brian Asamoah II (ankle).
WR Jalen Nailor and OL Chris Reed were full participants, which suggests Reed could be activated from IR this week.
The Saints are much healthier. Their only players who missed practice on Wednesday due to injury were a couple of backups: DE Isaiah Foskey and RB Kendre Miller.