The Minnesota Vikings haven’t finished licking their wounds from their first loss of the season against the Detroit Lions. However, they have to shift their focus to the Los Angeles Rams with whom they play on a short week.
The team published its first injury report of Week 8, and it was mostly positive. However, one injury that lingered in Week 7 is carrying over to Thursday’s matchup: Blake Cashman’s toe.
The veteran linebacker and major free agent signing this past offseason missed their matchup against the Lions with turf toe. In his absence, the Lions ran for 144 yards as a team instead of the usual 72 they were holding teams to when he played. His absence played a significant role in the defense bending more than normal against the Lions.
The Los Angeles Rams, led by running back Kyren Williams, are averaging 100 yards per game and 4 yards per rush. Without Cashman, the Vikings may allow the Rams to boost those season totals.