Linebacker Eric Kendricks missed Wednesday's practice because of a foot injury, taking one Vikings defensive starter out of the lineup just as cornerback Mike Hughes returned.
Kendricks, the Vikings' leading tackler and one of two defenders to not miss a snap in four games this season, was not seen at practice while other injured teammates worked with trainers on a side field.
Linebacker options were down to Eric Wilson, Hardy Nickerson Jr., Todd Davis and Ryan Connelly, after Anthony Barr's season ended in Week 2 because of a torn pectoral muscle.
Kendricks is scheduled to talk with reporters Thursday, which injured players expected to miss significant time typically don't do. Receiver K.J. Osborn also was held out Wednesday, because of a hamstring injury.
The defense got good news as Hughes was able to handle a full practice after a two-game absence because of a neck injury; his 2019 season ended because of a fractured vertebra. With Hughes back in the fold, the Vikings could have their full complement of cornerbacks for the first time since their Week 1 loss to Green Bay.
Cornerbacks Kris Boyd (hamstring), who didn't play against the Texans, and Holton Hill (foot) were listed as limited in practice.
They'll need all the help they can get for Sunday night's game in Seattle; Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson leads the league with 16 touchdown passes.
"These young guys are getting better," head coach Mike Zimmer said. "[Jeff] Gladney has probably got the most on his plate because he's got to do nickel and outside, but I thought Holton [Hill] did a much better job this week and [Cameron] Dantzler going in there, I thought he made some good plays."