Overview
- Coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Wednesday that Blake Cashman has entered the Vikings’ concussion protocol and his game-day status is uncertain.
- Cashman leads the team in tackles this season and is the defensive 'green dot' who wears the helmet mic and relays coordinator Brian Flores’s calls to teammates.
- If Cashman cannot play, Ivan Pace Jr. is expected to take on a larger role next to Eric Wilson while rookie Jake Golday would see added snaps and several players could assume green-dot duties.
- The Vikings’ estimated injury report also lists T.J. Hockenson, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Jauan Jennings, Kyle Van Noy and Kyler Murray as non-participants, adding to depth concerns.
- With one fewer full practice day after the late kickoff, the team has less time for recovery and to install personnel changes, which could simplify or alter defensive game plans on Sunday.