The Vikings will be without cornerback Mackensie Alexander (knee) and safety Jayron Kearse (knee/toe) in Saturday’s Divisional Round against the 49ers. Two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Adam Thielen (ankle) is listed as questionable, but it would be a huge surprise if he wasn’t able to play.
So, how will the Vikings replace Alexander and Kearse?
Let’s first look at Alexander. Alexander missed last week’s game against the Saints with the same knee injury that just landed him on the IR. Stepping up in a huge way for him in the slot corner spot was Andrew Sendejo, who normally plays safety. It was actually Sendejo’s first time ever playing in the slot, which is wild considering how good of a job he did. I would expect Sendejo to fill that same role for the Vikings. Mike Zimmer doesn’t really have many other options.
As for Kearse, this isn’t a huge miss. Kearse didn’t play any defensive snaps last week and just 10 plays on special teams. The team signed Nate Meadors from the practice squad and I would expect him to fill in on special teams play. Certainly an important aspect of the game, but not a key starter.
If, for some reason, Thielen doesn’t play, we can expect Bisi Johnson to fill his role. Johnson doesn’t have the same speed or route running ability that Thielen does (not many receivers do), but he’s been a pleasant surprise as a seventh-round pick, catching 31 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie.