The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings are preparing for their upcoming divisional matchup against each other. With both teams sitting at 7 wins and 8 loses on the season, this is a critical must win game for both teams. Unfortunately for the Minnesota Vikings, it looks like they will be without two of their important offensive pieces when they play in Minneapolis.
Green Bay Packers Matchup Injury Update
Against the Detroit Lions, two key injuries happened that could really affect the offense of the Minnesota Vikings.
The first injury of note was to Jordan Addison. Jordan Addison was hurt on a play, after attempting to chase down a Lions player who had intercepted a pass intended for him. Not giving up on the play, Jordan Addison was rolled up on by a teammate, and after spending some time of the side line, went back to locker room ahead of his teammates right before the half ended.
Early in the third quarter, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game. He is officially listed as week-to-week, but it is not looking promising for his return this year.
Shortly into the third quarter, teammate TJ Hockenson made a large down field completion. Unfortunately for him, the defender launched himself at TJ Hockenson’s ankles to make the tackle. With the rules eliminating upper body hits, the defender really only had the lower leg as a target to stop him from scoring.
This led to TJ Hockenson to be seen limping toward the sideline, and for a period of time was being attended to, before officially being ruled out. Listed as a knee injury, the setback is looking like it will be a season ending one. While waiting for official MRI results from the team, a potential torn ACL or MCL is possible.
Coach Kevin O’Connell added the following about the developing injury situation for the Green Bay Packers opponent, on if they were significant:
I do believe so. I can’t confirm any of those, but with two weeks left to go, we’ve got some really tough guys. We’ve got some guys that are trying to battle their way back in there, but I do believe so.
While both players appear to be doing everything that they can to play against the Green Bay Packers, it does not seem likely that they will be available for this matchup, let alone the rest of the remaining season games.
Green Bay Packers New Players To Game Plan Against
With the two latest injuries in mind, the Green Bay Packers defense will still have their hands full. Star wide receiver Juston Jefferson presents matchup problems regardless of who is lined up against him, and will need to be the focal point of the Green Bay Packers defense.
With his two teammates likely to be out, expect KJ Osborn to see an increased role in the offense. Coming off of a game in which he had a season high 47 yard reception, he will be looking to increase his production in the upcoming game.