The Minnesota Vikings are riding a four-game win streak heading into their Week 18 game against the Green Bay Packers on January 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Moreover, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shared the latest injury updates on other key players not named J.J. McCarthy.
“I would put Brian O’Neill, T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Mason, and Aaron Jones all in the same category of progress as the week goes on, and see if we can have as many of those guys, or all of them if possible,” O’Connell told reporters on December 29.
Minnesota overcame the injuries, with Aaron Jones Sr. the only player among these four names on the list to play in the Christmas Day win over the Detroit Lions. It will be interesting to see whether all four players can suit up against the Packers and have the Vikings end the season on a five-game win streak.
Nonetheless, two players who are unlikely to play in that contest against Green Bay are Elijah Williams and Myles Price.
“Really, only two players, Myles Price and Elijah Williams, are not going to be able to make it for the game,” O’Connell added. “Both those guys have ankles. Don’t necessarily see either one as super significant, but with only one game left, those guys are likely not to play this week.”
Vikings Announce J.J. McCarthy Latest
Meanwhile, the Vikings shared an update on their quarterback and noted that he is a possibility to play in the regular season finale, so he can end his first year as the starting signal-caller on a positive note.
“Swelling in that hand has come down a little bit,” O’Connell said. “Really, it’s just gonna be about working through it this week and seeing what his grip strength is like and if he can possibly give it a go this week. That will be something I’ll keep you guys posted on.”
Vikings Begin to Look Toward 2026
Minnesota have already started looking toward the offseason despite having one game left. Moreover, the front office will need to decide what to do with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who is in the final year of his contract and can leave.
Nonetheless, O’Connell spoke with reporters and expressed his hope to retain Flores as his defensive coordinator.
“We have [had contract extension talks]; it goes back a long way before those reports,” O’Connell told reporters. “We’ve had recent [and] very good dialogue. Flo knows I love him. He was the guy three years ago that I identified to bring in here, and the growth, and just our relationship, and what he’s meant to me personally is so massive.
“That’s not even taken into account what he’s been able to do defensively for our team and been such a huge part of helping us daily, minute to minute, weather the different storms we had to navigate this year. Things are in a really positive place right now. I absolutely want Brian Flores to be the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings as long as we can have him.”
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