Vikings rookie right tackle Phil Loadholt practiced on Wednesday but was added to the injury report on Thursday because of an ankle problem that limited him. Today, it looks like Loadholt is going to sit out as the Vikings go through their final practice before Sunday's game at St. Louis. Loadholt also dealt with an ankle injury during the preseason.

We'll get an update on Loadholt's status -- out, doubtful, questionable or probable -- when the injury report is issued later today but it's safe to say the Vikings line is banged up. Pro Bowl left guard Steve Hutchinson missed practice time last week and sat out this past Wednesday because of a back issue. He did play Monday against the Packers and was able to do limited work in Thursday's practice. Hutchinson was on the field again today and likely will be limited.

If Hutchinson plays Sunday and Loadholt does not, I would expect Artis Hicks to play right tackle. Ryan Cook played there for much of last season but Hicks is a versatile swingman on the line and would be the likely candidate to move over. Hicks, though, also appears to be the top backup to Hutchinson so if both Hutchinson and Loadholt were out the Vikings line would probably look like this: LT Bryant McKinnie, LG Artis Hicks, C John Sullivan, RG Anthony Herrera, RT Ryan Cook.

The only other player missing from today's practice was wide receiver Darius Reynaud, who has been dealing with a personal issue this week and also has an injured hamstring. It appears almost certain wide receiver Jaymar Johnson will return punts again on Sunday.