Stefon Diggs inactive for Vikings, opening a lane at receiver vs. Texans

Look for receiver Jarius Wright, the team's former primary slot receiver from 2013 to 2015, to get opportunities without Diggs in the offense.

October 9, 2016 at 3:40PM
Minnesota Vikings Jarius Wright (17).
Minnesota Vikings Jarius Wright (17). (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Vikings leading receiver Stefon Diggs will not play Sunday against the Texans.

Diggs is one of seven inactive players as he's sidelined by a lingering groin injury that has bothered him for a couple weeks. He'll get two weeks worth of rest with the Vikings on a bye after Sunday's game.

Look for receiver Jarius Wright, the team's former primary slot receiver from 2013 to 2015, to get opportunities without Diggs in the offense.

Starting right tackle Andre Smith is also inactive due to a right triceps injury suffered Monday night against the Giants. Jeremiah Sirles will make his second career start in Smith's place. Sirles, undrafted in 2014 out of Nebraska, is the Vikings' fourth offensive tackle to start this season.

The offense will also be without two tight ends in Rhett Ellison and David Morgan, both inactive with knee injuries. Look for fullback Zach Line to get extra snaps to compensate in the run game.

Rookie fourth-round pick Willie Beavers, who was cut after camp and elevated from the practice squad recently, is active for offensive line depth along with center Nick Easton and center/guard Zac Kerin.

Vikings' inactive players: WR Stefon Diggs, TE Rhett Ellison, OT Andre Smith, DT Sharrif Floyd, TE David Morgan, RB Ronnie Hillman and LB Kentrell Brothers.

Texans' inactive players: QB Brandon Weeden, RB Jonathan Grimes, CB Kareem Jackson, WR Keith Mumphery, TE Stephen Anderson, G Oday Aboushi and DE Brandon Dunn.

about the writer

about the writer

Andrew Krammer

Reporter

Andrew Krammer covers the Vikings for the Minnesota Star Tribune, entering his sixth NFL season. From the Metrodome to U.S. Bank Stadium, he's reported on everything from Case Keenum's Minneapolis Miracle, the offensive line's kangaroo court to Adrian Peterson's suspension.

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