Minnesota had its share of key absences for its Week 13 game this week.
Defensive end D.J. Wonnum and tight end Irv Smith Jr. were both ruled out for the Jaguars game on the Friday injury report.
A little shorter of notice, the Vikings got some more bad news. Linebacker Eric Kendricks suffered a calf injury pregame and was ruled out.
Kendricks, an All-Pro linebacker, is a huge loss for the Vikings defense. He is great at forcing incompletions in the passing game. He is also a very good run-stopping linebacker.
Kendricks being out means Jacksonville can have an easier time throwing over the middle and running in between the tackles.
In Kendrick’s place is linebacker Todd Davis, who signed with the team early in the 2020 season.
Minnesota also still has linebacker Eric Wilson, who is having a career year. Wilson has four pass deflections, three sacks, seven quarterback hits and three interceptions.
