Barring anything unexpected, Minnesota will have to face off against its former quarterback Teddy Bridgewater on Sunday.
But if Bridgewater wants to beat his old team, he will have to do so without arguably his best offensive weapon.
Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey has been ruled out for the game against the Vikings. Earlier in the week, McCaffrey was listed as questionable and was limited in practice, so it wasn’t expected that he would be ready to go.
In his place is Carolina running back Mike Davis, who has 449 rushing yards and three rushing scores this year. He is also averaging 4.0 yards per carry. Davis will still be a tough matchup for a Vikings defense that has struggled to stop the run this season.
On defense, Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson has been ruled out. Jackson is probably Carolina’s best corner, so that puts Minnesota wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Bisi Johnson, Chad Beebe and others in a better spot.
But the Vikings will also have some key absences. Right guard Ezra Cleveland has been ruled out for the game. Wide receiver Adam Thielen is unexpected to be ready to go, due to the team placing him on the reserve/COVID-19 list this week.