2 min read • October 14, 2022
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The lone defensive injury to track this week for the Scandinavian team is to strong side linebacker Za’Darius Smith. The former Packers pass rusher was limited Wednesday with a knee injury, but practiced fully on Thursday and Friday.
Backup running back Alexander Mattison was limited all week with a shoulder injury he picked up last week against the Bears. The Pro Football Docs believe he should be able to play through and receives a limited workload anyways behind Dalvin Cook.
Cook dealt with his own shoulder issue prior to the London game against the Saints, but played through with a shoulder strap and has been effective.
Through Week 5, Cook ranks 10th in rushing yards with 373 and sixth in rushing touchdowns with 3.
Coming off a 40-17 loss to the Jets in Week 5, Miami and projected starting quarterback Skylar Thompson look to keep pace in the AFC East.
Thompson was 19 of 33 for 166 yards and 1 interception after replacing Teddy Bridgewater, who was in concussion protocol after the first offensive play of the game.
Bridgewater reportedly cleared all concussion protocols, but exhibited instability while walking to the locker room. That instability kept him from returning to the game, but he does have an outside chance of playing this week because it seems he avoided a concussion.
Bridgewater under center would be a big boost for a passing offense that has ranked fifth in yards gained through Week 5.
Tyreek Hill had 7 catches on 7 targets last week, but tallied just 47 yards as he battled a quad injury he picked up in practice on Oct. 6. He did leave early with a left foot injury after reportedly getting stepped on, but has practiced in full this week.
The Pro Football Docs have little concern about his effectiveness this week against the Vikings, but if anything affects him it will be his quad.
Jaylen Waddle has tallied just 62 yards on 5 catches across two games since suffering a groin injury in Week 3.
He also logged full practices all week and will hopefully be beyond his groin strain this week.
Left tackle Terron Armstead is another key injury to watch in this matchup, if he suits up. Armstead has battled a turf toe injury after Week 1, but had not missed any game time prior to last week. He left early against the Jets with a reaggravation of the injury, putting his status in doubt this week.
The former Saints blocker did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, likely knocking him out against Minnesota. He missed 9 games last season with the Saints.
Free Pick: Vikings -3
Minnesota is favored by 3 points at home and the over/under is 45.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
The Vikings should have no problem covering as the far healthier side. Through three seasons, teams with a SIC score advantage of 10 or more are 59% against the spread.
Sign up for SIC Picks here for more injury-based picks throughout the season.
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