Minnesota also could activate Hockenson or Risner but would need to make a roster move to open a spot on the 53-man roster.
The Minnesota Vikings will officially be without two players Sunday against the Detroit Lions but could be without up to five others.
The Vikings confirmed linebacker Blake Cashman and cornerback Akayleb Evans, a key special teamer, will miss Sunday’s game due to injury. Cashman and Evans suffered toe and hip injuries, respectively, in London.
Meanwhile, running back Aaron Jones, edge Patrick Jones II and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips are all questionable with various injuries, as are tight end T.J. Hockenson and guard Dalton Risner, who are still on injured reserve.
Jones, Jones II and Phillips all missed practice on Wednesday but participated in a limited fashion on Thursday. The latter two were full participants on Friday, possibly a good sign heading into the weekend, while the running back was still limited. Hockenson and Risner were limited all week as they work their way back from injured reserve, and a roster move would be required to activate either play to the 53-man roster.
The Lions are as banged up as any team, having just lost star edge Aidan Hutchinson last week (on top of several others this season), and have two more starters listed as questionable for this weekend.
With Cashman out, expect Kamu Grugier-Hill to start alongside Ivan Pace Jr. If Jones is out, Ty Chandler and the newly reacquired Cam Akers would likely handle a large share of snaps in the backfield, and Jones II’s injury could lead to a bigger opportunity for rookie Dallas Turner.
Kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday is set for noon.
