Just five key members of the Vikings offense have played every game entering the team’s Dec. 25 matchup with the Detroit Lions.
Two of them — tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back Jordan Mason — have been ruled out against Detroit because of injuries. They were among five players declared out on Dec. 24, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy (right hand), center Ryan Kelly (concussion) and tight end Gavin Bartholomew (back).
Quarterback Max Brosmer will have a patchwork offensive line in his second NFL start. Right tackle Brian O’Neill is listed as questionable because of a heel injury he played through last week. Offensive lineman Blake Brandel would replace O’Neill if needed. Center Michael Jurgens will start for Kelly, whose season is over after he was placed on injured reserve Dec. 24 due to his third concussion of the year.
Hockenson emerged from last week’s win at New York with a back injury that prevented him from practicing. This is Hockenson’s first missed game since he returned from his 2023 knee injury.
Mason quickly suffered an ankle injury against the Giants and also did not practice. Running back Aaron Jones will continue playing through multiple injuries, including a new ankle issue he picked up against New York. He’s good to go against Detroit after being limited in the only full-team practice Tuesday.
The Vikings run game will also have running back Ty Chandler for the first time since the team’s season-opening win in Chicago. Chandler is returning from a knee injury he suffered about 3½ months ago.
For depth in the final two games, the Vikings signed center/guard Henry Byrd to the active roster. The team also elevated practice squad linebacker Sione Takitaki for the Lions game.
The only three key members of the Vikings offense to not yet miss a game are right guard Will Fries and wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor.
