As the Minnesota Vikings gear up for their big Week 16 showdown with the Seattle Seahawks, there’s a mix of anticipation and concern buzzing around the team, especially after the release of their final injury report. Defensive lineman Jalen Redmond will definitely sit out Sunday’s action due to a concussion, and the statuses of fullback C.J. Ham and safety Harrison Smith are shrouded in uncertainty, with Ham nursing an ankle injury and Smith troubled by an injured foot.

On the brighter side, Vikings fans received good news with cornerback Stephon Gilmore’s return to the lineup. After being sidelined for two games with a hamstring injury, Gilmore’s comeback could provide a crucial boost to Minnesota’s secondary.

This matchup is not just any game—it holds weighty implications in the race for the NFC’s top seed. With a 12-2 record, the Vikings are neck and neck with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles.

Capturing that No. 1 seed would require Minnesota to triumph in all their remaining games. But Sunday’s game in Seattle poses a challenge, especially if Smith, a pivotal defensive anchor, is unable to play.

The Seahawks boast a formidable wide receiver trio—Jaxon Smith-Njigba, D.K. Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett—who are known for lighting up the scoreboard.

Smith, a stalwart in the Vikings’ defense, hasn’t missed a game since Week 18 of the 2022 season. His absence, should it come to that, will be a test for Minnesota’s defensive depth.

However, they’ve shown resilience before, pulling off a road win against the Chicago Bears without him. On Sunday, the Vikings will look to harness that same grit and determination to conquer Seattle, keeping their aspirations for the NFC’s top seed very much alive.