The Lions scored 29 points on the Vikings defense. To cap it off, Lions QB Jared Goff found WR Amon-Ra St. Brown for the game-winning touchdown as time expired.
Minnesota was missing its top two linebackers for that game: Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr. This week, the Vikings are expected to get at least one of those players back for the Thursday game against the Steelers.
Barr said he tweaked his hamstring against the 49ers and was a late inactive against the Lions, per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. But the linebacker said he will play against Pittsburgh this week.
Barr is the defensive signal caller for the Vikings. His stat sheet isn’t always loaded with sacks or interceptions, but he provides a pretty important role. In Barr’s absence, Blake Lynch played well, tallying two sacks and a forced fumble.
Kendricks has not said whether he is playing Thursday. However, he appeared to be practicing this Tuesday, per Cronin.
Barr was also named the Vikings’ nominee for 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
