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The Minnesota Vikings released their first injury report for the week today, and we have some good news! WR Stefon Diggs, who was on it last week, is no longer listed.
But, there is some bad news. Starting LG Pat Elflein, who played the whole game against the Falcons and didn’t seem to be injured, didn’t practice at all. And as a matter of fact, his status for Sunday is very much up in the air:
Today's #Vikings injury report. pic.twitter.com/LbC7WguFih
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 11, 2019
If Elflein can’t go, that means Dakota Dozier would go at left guard, and he would be manning up on Kenny Clark. Dozier took the first team reps at practice today, and probably will tomorrow, too. Another noticeable ‘DNP’ was Mackensie Alexander. He dislocated his elbow against Atlanta, and although he will not require surgery, there is no timetable on when he will return. When asked about it today, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was his usual, candid self:
#Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said Mackensie Alexander's elbow MRI turned out pretty good and he could play this week. "Who said I'm going to be without him?''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 11, 2019
If Alexander can’t go, Mike Hughes practiced on a limited basis, which has been his status since last week. Could he be available Sunday?
#Vikings coach Mike Zimmer reiterates that Mike Hughes could return Sunday. "I think there's a chance.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 11, 2019
Me, on reading that when I first saw it:
If Hughes comes back and Alexander is out, that would be a huge boost to the secondary. Heck, if Alexander and Hughes are back, that would be optimal, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Lots of things to monitor as we head to the first Border Battle of 2019.