The Minnesota Vikings will face the Green Bay Packers without star cornerback Jaire Alexander, who has been suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. Alexander’s pregame actions before the Packers played the Carolina Panthers, where he walked to midfield for the coin toss and made the call despite not being a team captain, led to his suspension. Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst emphasized the team’s expectation that everyone puts the team first.
The absence of Alexander is expected to impact the Vikings’ star receiver, Justin Jefferson, who may face cornerback Eric Stokes with additional support over the top. Jefferson and Alexander have had a longstanding rivalry, but circumstances prevented them from facing each other this season, with Jefferson missing the first game due to a hamstring injury.
On a positive note for the Vikings, right tackle Brian O’Neill, who has missed the past few games with an ankle injury, participated fully in practice, signaling a potential return to the offensive line for the upcoming game against the Packers. This would be a significant boost for the Vikings.
However, rookie receiver Jordan Addison is unlikely to play this weekend due to an ankle injury sustained in the previous game against the Detroit Lions. If Addison is sidelined, slot receiver Brandon Powell is expected to take on a more prominent role in the offense.
Several other players did not participate in practice, including cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (knee), cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (shoulder), safety Theo Jackson (toe), defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (ankle), and receiver Jalen Nailor (concussion).
In injury news, tight end T.J. Hockenson, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his right knee, has been officially placed on injured reserve. Pass rusher D.J. Wonnum is also on injured reserve after sustaining a torn quad.
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