Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs expected to return vs. Eagles

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who leads the Vikings in catches and receiving yards, is expected to return to the lineup Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The second-year pass-catcher, though, played it coy when asked about his likely return after missing the team's last game because of a lingering groin injury.

"We'll see what happens," Diggs said. "You'll see what they got planned for me."

Coach Mike Zimmer also declined to say whether he will play. But after Diggs practiced for a third straight day Friday, this time as a full participant, all signs point to him starting against the Eagles, who have the NFL's fourth-ranked pass defense.

On Wednesday, Diggs practiced with the team for the first time since Oct. 1. After getting in three practices in a row, he said Friday that "I feel all right, man."

The Oct. 9 win over the Houston Texans was the first game Diggs missed because of injury in his NFL career. And while he was not thrilled to be a spectator, he said the play of fellow receivers Adam Thielen, who had a career-high 127 receiving yards, and Cordarrelle Patterson, who scored a touchdown, made it easier to watch.

"I was up in a [luxury] box so I was just happy to see Thielen going off, CP playing at a high level and [running back Jerick McKinnon] and everybody playing at a high level," Diggs said. "It was exciting. I wish I could have been with my guys, but since I couldn't, I had to cheer them on from a distance."

Rookie wideout Laquon Treadwell is questionable because of a thumb injury.

Offensive linemen Brandon Fusco, Alex Boone and Jeremiah Sirles all will be available to play against the Eagles despite being listed on the injury report throughout the week. Ditto for Pro Bowl outside linebacker Anthony Barr.

Fusco was officially cleared through the concussion protocol earlier this week.

"Ready to go," the starting right guard said. "Should be a fun game to play in."

Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and tight end MyCole Pruitt, who are both battling knee injuries, were ruled out. Neither player participated in practice this week.

Asked if the former Michigan standout will get some snaps, Zimmer replied: "I would think so. We'll see."

That could mean the Vikings feel comfortable enough to start the four-time Pro Bowler at left tackle. Or it could mean he will play in heavy sets and the goal-line package.

If Long does get the call at left tackle, T.J. Clemmings likely would move back to right tackle with Sirles going back to the bench to reprise his top reserve role.

One key matchup Sunday will be cornerback Captain Munnerlyn vs. Eagles slot receiver Jordan Matthews, who has 6 inches and 20 pounds on Munnerlyn.

"He runs great routes and has great hands," Munnerlyn said. "I know I have a tough task at hand, but I'm ready for it. I'm a competitive guy. He is a bigger guy and I like that. I don't shy away from bigger guys. … I'm ready for that challenge."