Vikings will have at least two starters back vs. Eagles

The bye week treated the Vikings well as they will regain at least two starters for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Linebacker Blake Cashman and guard Donovan Jackson are expected to return to the starting lineup for the Vikings (3-2). Cashman, last year’s leading tackler, was a full participant in practices this week following a four-game absence because of a hamstring strain suffered Week 1 at Chicago.

Cashman is among six players officially listed questionable, but coach Kevin O’Connell said it was a procedural move because he still has to be activated from injured reserve.

Five others are listed questionable: right tackle Brian O’Neill (knee), quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle), center Michael Jurgens (hamstring), outside linebacker Tyler Batty (knee) and defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (hip).

McCarthy, who said he is not fully recovered from a Sept. 14 high ankle sprain, is expected to suit up and be the emergency No. 3 quarterback after returning to practices for the first time this week.

For the Eagles (4-2), tight end Grant Calcaterra (oblique) has been ruled out and defensive tackle Jalen Carter (heel) is listed as questionable. Starting cornerback Quinyon Mitchell was cleared to play after leaving last week’s loss to the Giants because of a hamstring injury.

The Vikings offensive line will return at least one starter, Jackson, who practiced fully Thursday and Friday. He missed the past two games following wrist surgery. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw also returned to practice Friday after a rest day for his surgically repaired left knee.

“The way it’s been described to me is it’s truly going to be a game-time thing,” O’Neill said. “It’s not really a matter of pain, it’s more a matter of can I function and do the job. We’ll throw everything at it in the next 44 hours and see where we get to. I’m confident they’ll help me and together we’ll make the right decision.”

Justin Skule would make his fourth start if O’Neill can’t play. Blake Brandel will start again at center, meaning the expected O-line is Darrisaw, Jackson, Brandel, Will Fries and either O’Neill or Skule.

Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel will miss a third consecutive game because of a lingering neck injury. He has been ruled out.

Van Ginkel, 30, has “really progressed,” O’Connell said, during his return to practices this week. Van Ginkel’s reps were limited through three consecutive sessions.

“Not quite all the way there yet,” O’Connell said, “but I do feel like we’re heading toward a time — it’s going to be a short week next week, so we’ll see how he feels early on in the week before we head to L.A., but feel very positive about the progression we’re on now.”

“We just want to make sure with all the information that we’re doing right by him,” O’Connell said, “and most importantly give him the confidence to attack this thing from a rehab and really just getting days on the practice field.”

Outside linebacker Dallas Turner has only one sack, but he has quietly played well through his first four NFL starts. He is pressuring quarterbacks on 17% of his pass rushes, ranking 17th among NFL defenders with at least 50 attempts, per Sports Info Solutions.

Outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard, who will play through a hamstring injury that he practiced through Friday, said he’s seen Turner make strides since replacing Van Ginkel.

“It’s starting to piece together and slow down for him,” Greenard said. “He’s getting more comfortable and understanding what success is like. Yeah, certain moves may work in practice, but in the game it may not work the same way. It’s all learning. I think he’s going to continue to get better and continue holding it down until we get Gink back.”

• Receiver Justin Jefferson‘s race against NFL history: With 119 yards against the Eagles, he would become just the third receiver to reach 8,000 career yards within six seasons. With 12 games left this season, he is on track to surpass Randy Moss (8,375) and Torry Holt (8,156).