The Minnesota Vikings (6-2) will have Kirk Cousins under center for a huge meeting with the Green Bay Packers (6-3), but they will be without other important players. Difference-making linebacker Blake Cashman, trusted tight end T.J. Hockenson, defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, wide receiver Jauan Jennings and now-backup quarterback Kyler Murray have all been ruled out for Sunday afternoon's game, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Cashman leads Minnesota with 76 combined tackles, and Hockenson has a team-high 35 receptions this season. Moreover, he has established rapport with the new starting quarterback. The Vikings have tweaks to make before they arrive in Lambeau Field.
The main appeal of the Cousins trade is the vast amount of talent the NFC North squad can put around him. The roster is still capable, but the 38-year-old might have to improvise a little more than fans expect, however. Minnesota has already endured plenty of adversity this season and should be prepared to overcome these latest injuries.
Brian Flores boasts the acumen and resources to cover up for Cashman's absence in the short term, and Kirk Cousins possesses the necessary experience to quickly re-acclimate himself to Kevin O'Connell's offense. He can also reconnect with superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson. This is a team in every sense of the word, which is why Minnesota was able to survive shaky QB play for half the campaign.
The Vikings must adapt once more, as they lock horns with the Packers. A loss would lower them to the final playoff slot in the NFC and turn up the pressure quite a bit in Minneapolis. If the Purple and Gold escape Titletown with a win, however, they will resume their pursuit of genuine championship contention.
Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET.