Minnesota Vikings Tight End Officially Ruled Out vs Bears

There have been a couple key players to show up on the Minnesota Vikings injury report this week. But ultimately, it this team carries a relatively clean bill of health into their week 12 tilt against the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately that doesn’t include one of their top contributors on offense.

Josh Oliver won’t play for Minnesota Vikings vs Bears

All season, we have worried about the injury timeline for T.J. Hockenson. Now, it’s fellow tight end, Josh Oliver, who will be sidelined on Sunday, after suffering both a wrist and ankle injury vs the Tennessee Titans, in week 11.

Oliver signed as a blocking tight end, but Sam Darnold never got that memo. He’s used 27-year-old San Jose State alum early and often, this year, which is why he’s remained on the field consistently, even after Hockenson returned.

Vikings will miss Oliver

Last season, his first with Minnesota, Oliver posted 213 yards across 17 games. In just 10 games this year, he has 216 yards on three less (19) receptions. His three touchdowns are a career-high. Josh Oliver broke out with 58 yards against the Colts and followed that up with 52 yards against Jacksonville. Last weekend against the Titans, he hauled in all three of his targets for 34 yards.

A year ago Oliver came to the Vikings and very obviously took a back seat to Hockenson. He played just 42% of the offensive snaps while getting in on special teams 35% of the time. With Hockenson out to start the year, Oliver has been a key part of the game plan. He’s played an incredibly high 59% of the Vikings’ offensive snaps. His special teams usage has been dialed back 25%

Nick Muse had his 21-day practice window opened, but he won’t be an option this weekend. That means Kevin O’Connell will have Hockenson and Johnny Mundt at his disposal. Darnold will need to decide if he’s going to lean on the star or sprinkle in Mundt like he has Oliver thus far.

Minnesota has an opportunity to pick up their second divisional win of the season. Caleb Williams and the Bears have continued to look like, well, the Bears. A convincing win would certainly help improve the narrative before returning home to face the Arizona Cardinals.