Vikings Reveal Game Status of Multiple Key Players on Final Week 5 Injury Report

The Minnesota Vikings currently sit at 4-0 and hope to make it 5-0 as they take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 5, but to make that happen, the health of a few key players will be critical to monitor.

With that said, the Vikings have revealed the game status for multiple key players heading into Sunday, so let's take a look at the final Week 5 injury report.

In terms of players ruled out, that includes offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw and cornerback Charles Demmings (hamstring). 

Based on a statement from head coach Kevin )'Connell last week, it is not a surprise that Demmings is out, as O'Connell said that Demmings would miss some time.

On the other hand, having Darrisaw out is a major loss, as he is the starting left tackle and is arguably one of the more consistent tackles in the entire league, so with Darrisaw not going to play on Sunday, the Vikings will be leaning on offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark to step up.

It is not going to be easy for Van Demark as Minnesota is playing on the road in New Orleans, which is a very hostile environment, but nonetheless, the Vikings need Van Demark to protect quarterback Kyler Murray as well as create rush lanes for the backs.

When it comes to the players who are questionable, that list contains wide receivers Justin Jefferson (ankle) and Jordan Addison (hamstring), center Michael Jurgens (elbow), offensive tackle Brian O'Neil (knee), and tight end Ben Yurosek (ankle).

First off, it is important to note that Jurgens and Yurosek are currently in the 21-day return-to-practice window, so it will be interesting to see if they are able to play in the game after being full participants all week in practice or if they still need some time to get acclimated to be prepared for game action.

Now, looking at the other players questionable, one of the biggest storylines in the NFL this week is whether or not Jefferson will play as he continues to work through an ankle sprain. Earlier in the week, Jefferson made it clear that his goal was to play on Sunday, and after being listed as questionable, it is definitely a possibility, so it will be interesting to monitor his status after being limited in practice all week.

In addition to Jefferson at the receiver position, Addison is questionable with a hamstring injury. Addison did play last week, and with him being listed as questionable, it will be interesting to monitor his status. During practice this week, Addison was a non-participant, so that will be something to keep in mind heading into Sunday.

Next, O'Neil is questionable as well as he is dealing with a knee injury. All week O'Neil was a limited participant so his status does seem to be up in the air, but the Vikings are definitely hoping he can go as with Darrisaw already ruled out, having both starting tackles out for this game would be far from ideal.

A few other players on this injury report include running back Aaron Jones Sr. (rest), safety Harrison Smith (rest), and Brett Thorson (hamstring) who are all on track to play.

Jones and Smith were never really a concern this week to play, but Thorson was a player to monitor with veteran punter Johnny Hekker having to step in the past two weeks. However, Thorson is set to play on Sunday so it will be interesting to see how he performs and he can help pin the Saints deep when his number is called.

Overall, the Vikings are in a decent spot when looking at this injury report, but not having Darrisaw for this game is going to be tough so it is going to be intriguing to watch how Van Demark steps up and if he is ready for the test.

Additionally, it will be worth monitoring the status of Jefferson and Addison to see if they are ready to go, because if they are and if wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is elevated from the practice squad after being signed earlier in the week, this offense may finally have all the pieces it needs to get going and have its best performance yet.