Linebacker Nick Vigil became the Vikings' 23rd player isolated on the reserve/COVID-19 list in the past two months.
Vigil was sent away from the team Thursday, with his availability for Sunday determined by protocols varying by vaccination status and test results. Coaches are waiting to see whether Vigil tests out and are carrying out backup plans. Linebackers Blake Lynch or Troy Dye could play in the base defense if Vigil is out against the Packers.
"Nick has kind of been my security blanket throughout the year for whenever something happened to anybody," co-defensive coordinator Adam Zimmer said. "We're sorting that out. We've got another day at practice, and we'll see and make a decision on that [Friday]."
Cornerback Cameron Dantzler also did not practice Thursday, popping up on the injury report with a calf issue. Safety Harrison Smith (foot/shoulder), tight end Tyler Conklin (hamstring) and linebacker Chazz Surratt (illness) returned to practice after missing Wednesday. Smith was a full participant, while Conklin and Surratt were limited.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (toe), left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) and guard/tackle Billy Turner (knee) did not practice for the Packers.
Vigil joins guard Oli Udoh, quarterback Sean Mannion, defensive end Patrick Jones and tackle Rashod Hill on the COVID list. Updated protocols allow vaccinated players, like Udoh and Mannion, to return as soon as they test negative twice.
"I think we're going to get Oli back, I really do," offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said. "And if not, we're getting other guys ready to go, whether it's Dakota [Dozier], or we've got a lot of guys that can play that spot — Dakota, Blake Brandel, Wyatt Davis, a lot of guys that are getting those reps in practice should Oli not be able to go."
How is Davis, the third-round rookie with no offensive snaps this season, coming along?