The Minnesota Vikings are set to host the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day. However, for this divisional clash, the Vikings will be without several key players, including running back Jordan Mason and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Why Were Jordan Mason and T.J. Hockenson Ruled Out of Week 17 Game Against the Lions
According to the Vikings’ injury report, five players have been ruled out for the Christmas Day game: Mason, Hockenson, Ryan Kelly, J.J. McCarthy, and Gavin Bartholomew.
The Vikings have dealt with numerous injuries throughout the season, and the team’s offense under McCarthy has struggled, currently ranking No. 28 on PFSN’s Offense Impact metric with a score of 66.2. As for Mason, after spending three years with the San Francisco 49ers, he was traded to Minnesota in March 2025.
Originally expected to serve as a backup to veteran running back Aaron Jones, Mason saw increased action due to Jones’ injury issues. Mason appeared in 15 games, rushing 145 times for 664 yards and six touchdowns. He also caught 14 of 16 targets for 51 yards.
Unfortunately, during the Week 16 matchup against the New York Giants, Mason went down early in the first quarter and was eventually carted to the locker room with an ankle injury.
Hockenson, meanwhile, has endured a difficult season as well. He recorded 51 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns before suffering a shoulder injury during the same Week 16 game against the Giants, which the Vikings went on to win.
In addition, offensive tackle Brian O’Neill (heel) and tight end Bartholomew (back) are listed as questionable. Running back Jones (ankle), defensive lineman Javon Hargrave (thigh), linebacker Eric Wilson (thumb), and running back Ty Chandler (knee)Â are all expected to play, according to the injury report.
Lions–Vikings Game Preview
The Vikings (7–8) will host the Lions (8–7) on Thursday, December 25, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Fans can tune in to Netflix at 4:30 p.m. ET to watch the game live.
This season has been challenging for both Detroit and Minnesota. While the Vikings have been eliminated from playoff contention, the Lions are still hanging on despite a 29–24 Week 16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Detroit currently sits third in the NFC North and has a 4.9% chance of making the playoffs, according to PFSN’s NFL Playoff Meter. That said, Minnesota will be looking to spoil their divisional rival’s slim postseason hopes on Christmas Day, but it remains to be seen if they can do so in the absence of several key players from the roster.
