The Vikings had a shaky start to the 2025 season, winning their opener against the Bears but falling to the Falcons in Week 2. Head coach Kevin O’Connell knows they need wins to stay in playoff contention, and ahead of Week 3 against the Bengals, the injury report has taken center stage.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Vikings could have LT Christian Darrisaw and S Harrison Smith back on Sunday. Both are listed as questionable and may be used in rotation rather than as full-time starters. But the injury report still mentions their status as questionable.

Smith, out since August 11 with an illness, returned to practice on September 6 and has since joined limited sessions. He said, “I’m just trying to get my conditioning up. I’m going to go out there and see how much I can handle and go from there. I’ve already moved around, and I’m moving around well. It’s just volume and conditioning.”

Darrisaw, listed with a knee injury, has been steadily progressing in his rehab and practiced fully earlier this week, signaling that he is close to returning to action.

Even Andrew Van Ginkel, recovering from a concussion, returned to full practice on Wednesday. With these key veterans regaining form and returning to the field, Sunday could mark a pivotal moment for the Vikings as they look to reclaim their early-season momentum.

That’s encouraging news, especially after a triple blow to the offense.

Kevin O’Connell is battling an offensive shocker

The final injury report confirms that C Ryan Kelly, QB JJ McCarthy, and T Justin Skule are all ruled out. McCarthy didn’t practice at all this week and remains in a walking boot. Kelly and Skule also missed all practices due to concussions.

Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowler, exited the game in the first half and has a history of concussion issues, including multiple missed games in previous seasons. Skule replaced the injured Christian Darrisaw, but he left the game early and has been placed in concussion protocol.

With both linemen sidelined, rivals will test the Vikings’ offensive line depth.

Quarterback JJ McCarthy, who had shown promise with a solid performance in the season opener against the Chicago Bears, is also out with a high ankle sprain. McCarthy had completed 13 of 20 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns in that game. Veteran Carson Wentz is set to start in his place, bringing experience but doubts about his ability.

While speaking to reporters on September 20, Kevin O’Connell said, “All those guys have done a phenomenal job and encouraging that we could potentially have some folks available for the weekend, but want to let the medical staff make the final call. The team had had a great week of practice and capped it off another one today. I love where the guys are at, intentional urgency and focus to know we’re playing against a really good team this weekend.”

It all comes down to facing each other on the field now. The Bengals are riding high on confidence with a 2-0 start to the season. Can the NFC team survive and defeat the AFC side? Stay tuned as we keep brining more stories about your favorite football superstars.