The Vikings will have to stop one of the best rushing offenses in the league this week. Minnesota will have to try and do so without its best run-stopping nose tackle.
The Vikings ruled out Michael Pierce with an elbow injury. Pierce will miss his fourth consecutive game. Another sour note: Pierce will not have the chance to play against his old team in Baltimore.
Minnesota also ruled LB Anthony Barr and CB Cameron Dantzler as questionable for the Sunday game. The Vikings defense would take a big step back without either of those two.
Minnesota is currently missing CB Patrick Peterson. The Vikings placed Peterson on IR earlier this season. While Minnesota has decent linebacker depth, the team’s defense takes a hit without Barr’s presence as a field general.
The Ravens ruled Rashod Bateman, a former Gophers football player, as questionable for the game. Baltimore ruled former Vikings RB Latavius Murray as doubtful for the game. Baltimore ruled OL Patrick Mekari as doubtful, too.
Ravens WR Sammy Watkins and DT Brandon Williams are both questionable as well.