As the Vikings prepare for the highly anticipated return of quarterback J.J. McCarthy under center, they are hoping to have their offensive line nearly at full strength against the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Ford Field.
Asked specifically about left tackle Christian Darrisaw and right tackle Brian O’Neill, head coach Kevin O’Connell sounded rather optimistic about both players being available, saying, “We feel really good about those guys right now.”
It’s worth noting that Darrisaw (knee) was listed as a limited participant in practice, while O’Neill (knee) was listed as a full participant. They are officially listed as questionable heading into the game.
It would be a major boost for the Vikings if Darrisaw and O’Neill can bookend the offensive line, especially considering McCarthy has yet to play a game with both players protecting him up front.
As for McCarthy’s overall health, O’Connell noted that he’s strung together a few really good practices. The hope is that McCarthy can translate that onto the field when the Vikings take on the Lions.
“It was great to see him fully kind of look like himself,” O’Connell said. “He feels 100% ready to go.”
Van Ginkel good to go
After missing the past month while navigating a neck injury, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel is set to to make his return against the Lions. Though he’s officially listed as questionable, Van Ginkel was a full participant this week and the Vikings anticipate him being able to suit up.
Asked if Van Ginkel will have a snap count of any sort, O’Connell said the Vikings are still working through that part.
“We’ll see kind of what his workload looks like,” O’Connell said. “Just excited to get him out there.”
This is something Van Ginkel has been working through since the neck injury popped up during training camp. He then suffered a concussion against the Chicago Bears, didn’t play against the Atlanta Falcons, returned against the Cincinnati Bengals, and missed every game since in an effort to get on top of some of the residual effects.
“I’m not going to get into what I’m feeling and what I’m going through,” Van Ginkel said. “It’s been a process. It’s something that I had to go through and it’s helped me get to this point. It’s allowing me to be confident and go out and perform to the best of my ability.”
Jefferson knows Sheppard well
The memories came flooding back for star receiver Justin Jefferson while watching film this week. He has known of Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard for more than a decade and is looking forward too going against him this weekend.
“He played at LSU with my brother,” Jefferson said. “The relationship has kind of always been there. We always talk before and after the game. It definitely will be great to see how he covers me.”
Asked what he’s expecting from Sheppard in that sense, Jefferson shook his head and smiled.
“It’s going to be physical,” Jefferson said. “I know that.”
Briefly
The only players the Vikings ruled out for the game were fullback C.J. Ham (hand), tight end Josh Oliver (foot), and cornerback Jeff Okudah (concussion). As for the Lions, they will be without running back Craig Reynolds (hamstring), linebacker Malcom Rodriguez (knee), and safety Kerby Joseph (knee).
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