The Vikings desperately need a bounce-back win over the divisional rival Lions on Sunday. Minnesota will have to do so without a key player from defense, special teams and possibly a key player from the offensive side of the ball.
DT Michael Pierce and WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette are both ruled out for the Vikings’ game against the Lions. Minnesota RB Dalvin Cook is questionable. Despite being a wideout, Smith-Marsette is mainly the team’s kick returner.
Pierce’s absence isn’t dire. That’s because the Vikings have plenty of depth on the interior defensive line. Cook has a very good backup in Alexander Mattison, though Mattison is still a downgrade at that position.
#Vikings injury report
OUT: Michael Pierce and Ihmir Smith-Marsette
QUESTIONABLE: Dalvin Cook
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 8, 2021
Earlier this week, Cook said he was planning on playing through an ankle injury even though he wasn’t 100%. If Cook does that, Minnesota has a better chance of beating Detroit, a team that’s 0-4. Both teams need this game to try and salvage the 2021 season. The Vikings could use their star running back back.
