EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Vikings entered Sunday's 37-17 victory against the Jets already down five starters. They lost three more during the game as guard Tom Compton, linebacker Anthony Barr and cornerback Xavier Rhodes were injured and did not return.
Compton injured his right knee in the first quarter. Barr (hamstring) and Rhodes (ankle) left in the fourth quarter and did not return. Rhodes was unable to put weight on his left ankle as he was helped off the field, but he stayed on the sideline and watched the rest of the game.
"I think he's got a sprained ankle," coach Mike Zimmer said. "I don't think it's a big deal. We'll see."
Cornerback Holton Hill filled in for Rhodes and intercepted Jets quarterback Sam Darnold on his first snap. Second-year guard Danny Isidora filled in for Compton. Linebacker Eric Wilson played for Barr.
"It's important we as coaches continue to push these young guys," Zimmer said. "Because they're going to get into the ballgame at some time."
The Jets, entering Sunday already down three defensive backs, lost safety Doug Middleton to a shoulder injury. Middleton was starting for injured safety Marcus Maye. Running back Bilal Powell was ruled out in the second quarter after injuring his neck when he was hit by Barr.
Third-down streak ends
The Vikings defense had stopped opponents on 20 straight third downs, dating back two weeks to the end of the 23-21 win at Philadelphia. The streak ended when Darnold scrambled for 6 yards to convert a third-and-5 play in the third quarter. The Jets converted two of 13 attempts Sunday. Darnold added another 10-yard scramble in the fourth quarter.
"I wasn't too happy about that on the sideline," Zimmer said. "Because I talked to them all week about this guy, he's going to bail on you. You have to make sure you're in the right place rushing him."
