The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for a crucial showdown against the Detroit Lions, and with the NFC’s top seed and the NFC North crown on the line, every player counts. As we close in on game day, the Vikings have released their final injury report for Week 18.

The good news for fans? Only one key starter on defense will be absent, with the rest of the lineup ready to hit the field.

Defensive end Pat Jones is officially ruled out for Sunday. With 7 sacks to his name this season, Jones has been a disruptive force on the field, and his absence will surely be felt. However, the hope is that this move is precautionary, ensuring he’s in top form once the playoffs begin.

The final injury report also lists linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill and cornerback Fabian Moreau as questionable. If they can suit up, they could provide critical depth for Minnesota’s defense, bolstering their ranks against a potent Lions offense.

The big relief for the Vikings comes in the form of star running back Aaron Jones. Despite battling a quad injury earlier this week—a setback that saw him limited during Wednesday and Thursday practices—Jones has been cleared to play. With over 1,000 rushing yards this season, his presence on the field is a significant boost to the team’s offensive arsenal.

Veteran safety Harrison Smith, another vital component of the Vikings’ defense, is also set to play. Smith missed only one game this season, but reemerged on the injury report with a foot issue earlier this week. Encouragingly, he participated fully in yesterday’s practice and is ready for Sunday’s clash.

Having both Aaron Jones and Harrison Smith ready to roll this Sunday is pivotal. The Vikings have navigated the injury waters with skill throughout the season, maintaining a commendable level of health across the board. As they aim to keep this trend alive into the postseason, all eyes will be on Minnesota to see if they can finish strong and secure the NFC North crown.