The Minnesota Vikings are playing their biggest game of the season so far, with their position in both the NFC North and the NFC playoff picture on the line against their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers. So far, it’s been mostly smooth sailing for the Vikings, as they have the lead in the second quarter.
However, it hasn’t been all good for the Vikings, as they may be without one of their pass rushers for the remainder of the game. Outside linebacker Pat Jones II took a shot to the legs from Packers tight end Tucker Kraft and went down immediately.
Pat Jones II injury update
After the low hit from Kraft — which was technically a legal block, as the contact occurred inside the tackle box — Jones was down on the field for several minutes while being attended to by the Vikings’ medical staff. Jones eventually left the field under his own power for further evaluation.
After further evaluation, Jones has officially been listed as questionable to return to the game with a knee injury.
How long will Jones be out?
Jones was seen limping on the sidelines, but didn’t seem to be in a terrible amount of discomfort. He was able to put some weight on the leg at the very least, so it’s like that his “questionable” designation is more out of an abundance of caution than the severity of the injury.
We’ll keep you updated on Jones’ condition if it comes out that the knee injury will impact his availability heading into next week’s season finale against the Detroit Lions
Vikings outside linebacker depth chart
With Jones questionable to return to the game, it shouldn’t impact the Vikings’ defensive gameplan terribly much. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel are the main outside linebackers and will continue to be. The injury affects the rotation, meaning those two may be on the field more today than initially planned.
The injury could also open the door for more playing time for players like Jihad Ward and the first-round draft pick Dallas Turner.