As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for a crucial Week 17 showdown against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday afternoon, they have released their initial injury report, which offers insight into the status of several key players. While the report is purely an estimation due to the team not practicing on Christmas Day, it still provides a glimpse of what the Vikings’ roster might look like as they face the Packers in a game with significant playoff implications.

Vikings Injury Report

• CB Fabian Moreau (hip): Did not practice
• S Harrison Smith (foot): Did not practice
• DT Jalen Redmond (concussion): Limited
• ILB Blake Cashman (hip): Full
• FB C.J. Ham (ankle): Full
• OLB Pat Jones II (knee): Full
• TE Josh Oliver (wrist): Full
• ILB Ivan Pace Jr. (hamstring): Full

Fabian Moreau and Harrison Smith were both absent from last Sunday’s thrilling 27-24 victory against the Seattle Seahawks, each nursing injuries that kept them sidelined. Smith, who has been a fixture in the Vikings’ secondary, continues to deal with a foot injury, while Moreau’s hip issue has limited his availability. Head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed optimism earlier this week that the time off over the Christmas break would allow Moreau to recover and get back on the field for Sunday’s crucial NFC North matchup.

Blake Cashman, Pat Jones II, and Josh Oliver, who have all been regulars on the injury report for the past several weeks, are listed as full participants in the Vikings’ estimation. Jones, however, remains the only player of the group who has missed a game due to his knee injury, although his full participation suggests he is nearing full recovery. Oliver, meanwhile, missed a game earlier in the season due to an ankle injury, but his wrist issue has not caused him to miss any additional time.

One encouraging note is the status of defensive tackle Jalen Redmond, who has made progress in his recovery from a concussion. After entering the concussion protocol following a play in the final moments of the Vikings’ win over the Chicago Bears, Redmond was listed as a limited participant, which is a positive sign for his chances to suit up on Sunday.

Similarly, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, has been cleared for full participation. Having Pace back on the field could be a major boost to the Vikings’ defense, especially as they look to apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His ability to blitz and disrupt plays has been sorely missed in recent weeks, and his return would add another dimension to the defense.

Packers Injury Report

The Green Bay Packers, like the Vikings, did not practice on Christmas Day but released their own estimated injury report. A few key players are dealing with injuries that could affect their availability for Sunday’s game:

• LB Ty’Ron Hopper (ankle): Did not participate
• LB Quay Walker (ankle): Did not participate
• WR Christian Watson (knee): Did not participate
• S Evan Williams (quadriceps): Did not participate
• S Javón Bullard (ankle): Limited
• TE Tucker Kraft (hip): Limited
• TE Luke Musgrave (ankle): Limited
• CB Jaire Alexander (knee): Full
• CB Corey Ballentine (knee): Full

The Packers’ defense is facing several key injury concerns, especially in their linebacker corps, where both Ty’Ron Hopper and Quay Walker are listed as non-participants due to ankle injuries. Hopper, who has been an important contributor on special teams, will be a player to watch leading up to Sunday’s game, as his absence could impact the Packers’ depth. Walker, a key part of Green Bay’s defensive front, will also be a player to monitor.

On the offensive side, wide receiver Christian Watson continues to deal with a knee issue that has kept him from practicing. Watson’s absence would be a significant blow to the Packers’ passing attack, as he has been a playmaker in their receiving corps. Meanwhile, safety Evan Williams, who has been dealing with a quadriceps injury, is also listed as not participating, further depleting Green Bay’s defensive depth.

However, there is some good news for the Packers, as cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Corey Ballentine were both full participants in practice. Alexander, one of the top cornerbacks in the league, has been dealing with a knee issue but appears on track to play. His presence on the field is crucial for Green Bay as they look to contain the Vikings’ high-powered offense, which features weapons like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson.

Looking Ahead

With both teams dealing with significant injuries, the status of key players will be a major storyline heading into this NFC North clash. For the Vikings, having players like Pace and Redmond back on the field could make all the difference as they look to pressure Packers quarterback Jordan Love and contain their dynamic receiving corps. On the other side, the Packers will need to monitor the availability of their linebackers and Watson, as they face a Minnesota offense that has been rolling in recent weeks.

As the game approaches, both teams will continue to monitor the health of their rosters, with injuries likely playing a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this critical divisional matchup. Fans can expect a thrilling contest on Sunday, with plenty at stake for both teams as they battle for playoff positioning.