The Minnesota Vikings released their Thursday injury report with several notable updates ahead of Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Chicago Bears, including a significant change involving one of their top pass rushers and multiple upgrades across the offense.
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The most impactful development came with edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, who was downgraded from limited on Wednesday to a nonparticipant on Thursday. Any mid-week step backward is typically a red flag, and Greenard’s availability is now uncertain heading into Friday’s practice. He has been one of Minnesota’s most important defenders this season, and losing him could alter the game plan against a Bears offense that leans heavily on ball control and quarterback Caleb Williams’ playmaking.
There was better news elsewhere, most notably with linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who returned in a limited capacity after not practicing on Wednesday. Van Ginkel has been an essential piece of defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ pressure schemes, and his upgrade suggests the Vikings expect him to be available.
The coaching staff has relied on his versatility as both a stand-up rusher and off-ball defender. His natural feel and playmaking are a major reason the Vikings’ defense ranks seventh in PFSN’s DEFi.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy continued trending in the right direction. After being limited on Wednesday while managing swelling on his right hand from a helmet impact in Week 10, McCarthy was upgraded to a full participant. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said Wednesday that the injury should not affect McCarthy’s preparation, and the full workload supports that view. Right guard Will Fries and tackle Justin Skule also returned fully after limited designations earlier in the week.
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw was again listed as a nonparticipant, though this is his established Thursday rest day and is not considered a setback. The Vikings have managed his weekly workload carefully this season and expect him to ramp back up on Friday. Veterans Harrison Smith and Theo Jackson both logged full workloads.
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Center Ryan Kelly remains the biggest question mark among offensive players. Kelly, who is working his way back from a concussion, was limited for the second straight day and still appears uncertain for Sunday. Tight end Josh Oliver, safety Josh Metellus, and Van Ginkel were all limited, but all three are trending toward being available.
Barring an unexpected Friday development, the Vikings appear likely to have most of their contributors on the field against Chicago. The status of Greenard and Kelly will determine how much the lineup shifts. Still, Thursday brought encouraging signs for McCarthy and multiple offensive starters as they entered a critical division game at home.