The Vikings enter Week 11 with two significant absences that will shape Sunday’s matchup against the Bears, a game with major implications for the NFC North. Minnesota ruled out two key starters — one on the edge and one anchoring the offensive line — tightening the margin of error for a team coming off an emotional win but still searching for consistency. Chicago, meanwhile, catches a timely break as it prepares for a division matchup that could shift the momentum of the NFC playoff picture
Jonathan Greenard and Ryan Kelly Ruled Out as Minnesota Adjusts Its Plan for Chicago
Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Friday that Jonathan Greenard will miss Sunday’s game after suffering a shoulder injury against Baltimore. Greenard did not practice all week, and O’Connell emphasized that the pass rusher remains day-to-day as the team hopes for a positive response to treatment heading into next week. Greenard gave Chicago problems in both meetings last season, producing three sacks and five tackles for loss across those games, and his absence could change Minnesota’s pressure plan against quarterback Caleb Williams.
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With Greenard sidelined, second-year edge rusher Dallas Turner steps into a full workload. Turner has flashed with 4.5 career sacks and brings the athletic upside Minnesota drafted him for, but Greenard’s disruption and experience will be missed. Chicago’s offensive line has struggled with pressure at times this season, and Greenard’s absence provides Williams with a cleaner picture in the pocket than he would have seen otherwise.
Center Ryan Kelly is also out as he continues through concussion protocol. Kelly practiced on a limited basis this week, and O’Connell said the team stuck with a long-planned ramp-up approach rather than rushing his return.
“He had a great week of practice,” O’Connell said. “This has been about doing what is best for Ryan.”
Kelly’s absence means another start for Blake Brandel, who battled through communication issues last week when the Vikings committed eight false starts. The offense remains inconsistent, ranking 25th in PFSN’s OFFi.
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The rest of the roster is in good shape. Tight end Josh Oliver returns with no game designation after a strong week, and O’Connell praised the group’s overall operation. The team also expects quarterback J.J. McCarthy to be fully available after he hit his hand on a helmet against Baltimore. McCarthy has practiced with a wrap on his throwing hand, but O’Connell downplayed any concern and said the quarterback delivered two of his best throwing sessions of the year this week. He practiced in full and does not carry a game designation.
Sunday’s game carries weight for both teams. Minnesota is 2-0 in the NFC North and leaning on home-field energy at U.S. Bank Stadium. However, the Vikings (4-5) are at the bottom of the NFC North, looking up at the Bears (6-3), Packers (5-3-1), and Lions (6-3). With two key starters unavailable, the margin for detail becomes even tighter.
