Vikings place CB Mike Hughes on IR, sign Marcus Sherels

On Friday, the team announced it as placed cornerback Mike Hughes on the IR with a neck injury.

Well, this certainly isn’t great news for the Vikings as they prepare for Sunday’s wild card game against the Saints in New Orleans.

On Friday, the team announced it as placed cornerback Mike Hughes on the IR with a neck injury. Hughes participated in Wednesday’s practice this week, so it would appear the injury happened sometime this week. Or at least the injury got worse.

To take Hughes’ place on the roster, the team signed long-time Viking Marcus Sherels.

To make matters worse, the Vikings will also be without cornerback Mackensie Alexander (knee) for the game.

We can expect Jayron Kearse to get some time in the slot.

For a team that was already expected to have a tough time against Drew Brees and Michael Thomas, this is a huge blow two days before the game.

We can also expect Sherels to likely take over punt return duties. Sherels signed with the Saints last offseason after nine seasons with the Vikings only to be released prior to the season. The Vikings brought him back to Minnesota but later released him.