The Minnesota Vikings closed their week of preparation with a wave of optimism as several key starters are trending toward a return for Sunday’s divisional matchup in Detroit. After weeks of lineup instability, Minnesota appears close to full strength just as it prepares for one of its toughest road tests of the season.
Kevin O’Connell Confident in O-Line and Defensive Reinforcements
Head coach Kevin O’Connell ruled out fullback C.J. Ham, cornerback Jeff Okudah, and tight end Josh Oliver. All three missed the full week of practice and will not travel with the team. Ben Sims is expected to fill in at tight end, while veterans Nick Vannett and Bryson Nesbit remain depth options depending on game-day roster decisions.
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell on @jjmccarthy09‘s week of practice pic.twitter.com/eHhCdtWEqW
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 31, 2025
The more encouraging news came along the offensive line, where both starting tackles appear close to returning. Christian Darrisaw (knee) and Brian O’Neill (knee) were each listed as questionable, but O’Connell said he remains “optimistic” about their availability, noting that both players finished the week strong.
“We feel really good about those guys right now,” O’Connell said. “They’ve handled the week the right way, and I know they’re excited to go compete.”
On defense, O’Connell said he anticipates outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel will return after missing time with a neck injury. Van Ginkel practiced fully throughout the week, and his presence would help restore the team’s full edge rotation alongside Jonathan Greenard and rookie Dallas Turner. Safety Josh Metellus, a late addition to the injury report with foot soreness, was also listed as questionable but took limited reps on Friday.
Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores’ unit ranks 8th in PFSN’s DEFi. Despite the fair ranking, the defense will gladly welcome Van Ginkel back. Minnesota has allowed 65 points in its previous two games. The Lions offense ranks 6th in PFSN’s OFFi.
The rest of the defense appears healthy and ready to go. Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers (shoulder) practiced fully and will play, while several veterans received standard rest designations. Second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, meanwhile, had a complete week of full participation and will make his third career start fully healthy.
O’Connell praised the team’s energy and focus, saying the week of practice reflected a group prepared for the challenge ahead.
“It’s been a good week,” he said. “We’ve had great preparation, and we know it’s going to take our best to compete in that environment. The guys are ready.”
With depth returning across both lines and McCarthy healthy, the Vikings enter Ford Field with renewed confidence and a chance to pull even in the NFC North.
