Following Sunday’s win over the Titans, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed that tight end Josh Oliver sustained an ankle injury requiring further evaluation. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but more details are expected on Monday.

“He’ll need to be evaluated,” O’Connell stated. “We’ll assess his condition once we’re back in Minnesota and can take a closer look.”

Oliver has been a standout for the Vikings this season. Against the Titans, he tallied three receptions for 34 yards, marking his third consecutive game with at least three catches. Known as one of the NFL’s top run-blocking tight ends, his absence would be a major setback for Minnesota.

In other injury news, Jordan Addison had to exit the game on Sunday due to cramps in the second half. Although he was unable to make it back, his availability for the game in Chicago next week remains unquestionable. Before leaving the game, Addison had three catches for 61 yards, including a score of 47 yards. At one point, he also suffered a serious blow to the back. In his absence, the Vikings gave guys like Brandon Powell and Jalen Nailor additional playing time. Nailor missed a 46-yard touchdown pass.

O’Connell wrote, “He was cramping,” in reference to Addison. “We attempted every method you can use in that situation, but he simply couldn’t make it to rejoin the game. It would have been fantastic to have him return and receive a few of those opportunities that could have helped us end the game, but I have complete faith in Speedy (Nailor) to step up and make those plays when they are needed, as he has done throughout the season.”

The Vikings were injury-free after Sunday’s game, with the exception of Oliver and Addison.

Ed Ingram is replaced on the offensive line by Vikings guard Dalton Risner, who shifts to the right.

NASHVILLE — As he has done throughout his career, Dalton Risner played left guard for the Vikings last season. However, it appeared that he may eventually take Ed Ingram’s place in the starting lineup when the team began working him at right guard after bringing him back on a one-year contract this winter.

In their 23–13 victory over the Titans on Sunday, the Vikings made the change by starting Risner at right guard instead of Ingram. After starting 11 games the previous season, it was Risner’s first start of the current campaign and his first at right guard in his career.

Coach Kevin O’Connell stated, “Now that Dalton is healthy, I wanted to see if we could get a little bit more just of a veteran presence there.” Dalton’s first start on the right side against [Jeffery] Simmons and [T’Vondre] Sweat was a difficult task. They are among the league’s top interior players at the moment, and they play a major role in their ability to play shell coverage, chew up combinations, and do all those other things. We’ll examine the tape to determine Dalton’s performance. I simply sensed his style of play. I sensed that he was fully engaged in the game.

After starting 41 games in his first three seasons, Ingram—who the Vikings selected with the 59th overall choice in the 2022 draft—maintained his starting position for the first part of this season while Risner was placed on injured reserve due to a back ailment sustained during training camp.

Prior to Risner’s injury, the Vikings had started using him at right guard, presumably to have a backup plan in case Ingram had trouble. He had kept working on the right-side swap and found out that he would start this week in place of Ingram. He acknowledged that Sunday felt a little awkward.

He claimed to be a guy who spent five years playing only left guard. “Everything is upside down. Additionally, I’m still getting used to a lot of things. For me, it’s about focusing on each move because this game is so much more technical than most people know. Unexpectedly, I hear the play, and it’s over. It’s like, “Let me really assess this,” right guard. On game day, you must be faster; you cannot afford to think about that. However, the switch has been enjoyable.

O’Connell stated that he wants to add some competition for the guard position in the last few weeks of the season, but he does not want to make the lineup a “week to week” switch.

O’Connell added, “At the same time, I was proud of Ed’s handling of the week.” “He was asking insightful questions, he was ready to roll, and he knew he would be a snap away.”

Addison departs with cramping, and Oliver has an ankle injury.
After nearly scoring his third receiving touchdown of the season on Sunday, wide receiver Jordan Addison left the game due to leg cramps in the fourth quarter. According to O’Connell, “we tried all the different tactics you do when that happens, but he just couldn’t get there to get back in the game.”

The tight end After Josh Oliver departed the game due to an ankle injury in the fourth quarter, he was seen in the locker room with his left ankle in a walking boot. Oliver will be evaluated further when the Vikings return to Minnesota, according to O’Connell.

Van Ginkel and Jones Edge rushers have big days. When the Vikings summoned four or fewer rushers, Andrew Van Ginkel and Patrick Jones II both had two-sack days, taking Will Levis down on plays. With his two sacks, Van Ginkel has eight for the season, which is a career best; Jones is currently at seven.

O’Connell had high praise for Jones, stating, “He’s so consistent.” He also acknowledged the outstanding performances of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, noting they’re playing at an exceptional level. “I think JG is outperforming everyone else in the league,” O’Connell added, emphasizing the versatility of the group. He also highlighted Dallas Turner’s athletic plays and impressive pass rushes, which further showcase the collective strength of the unit.

Meanwhile, the Vikings enjoyed a reunion in Nashville, where several former players, including Ring of Honor member Jared Allen, have retired. Allen, along with country music star Jake Owen, greeted O’Connell on the sidelines before Sunday’s game.

Six former Vikings living in the Nashville area attended the game, including legendary defensive end Jared Allen. They were joined by linebacker Audie Cole, running back Toby Gerhart, linebacker Lemanski Hall, returner Terry Obee, and Hall of Fame guard Steve Hutchinson.