The Minnesota Vikings M*A*S*H unit is a little smaller these days, much to the relief of head coach Kevin O’Connell. The offensive line and several key defensive players have contributed to anxious Minnesota quarterbacks and a porous run defense. With their quarterback situation resolved for at least this week, they turn their attention to a home game against an angry Philadelphia Eagles team.

The Eagles, still smarting from their Thursday night 34-17 loss to the lowly New York Giants last week, will seek retribution against the Vikings, who will need all the help they can summon for tomorrow’s game. This is an important game for both teams as a third loss for either squad would mean playing catch-up within their divisions for a playoff berth.

Vikings: Who’s Playing, Who’s Not This Week

The Vikings anticipate the Sunday return of one of their defensive stalwarts, inside linebacker Blake Cashman. Cashman has been out of action since injuring his hamstring in the opening game against the Chicago Bears. He is one of the three key players, Andrew Van Ginkel and Josh Metellus being the other two, in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’s complicated defense. He has been missed in Minnesota’s defense against the run (NFL Rank 16th) and as a stellar pass defender in the middle of the Vikings’ zone scheme.

Also returning is rookie left guard Donovan Jackson. Jackson, drafted to fill a previously weak link in the Vikings offense, returns to the lineup after missing the team’s two European games with a surgically repaired wrist. There is also guarded optimism that veteran right tackle Brian O’Neill may return to the lineup against the Eagles. O’Neill has been sidelined since suffering an MCL sprain in the Week 4 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin. A game-time decision will likely determine his playing status for the team’s clash against the Eagles.

The Vikings also have several high performers who are “playing through the pain.” Quarterback Carson Wentz injured his left shoulder in the game against Cleveland and briefly left that game but returned in the second half. The shoulder is still sore, but he has gotten the green light to play tomorrow. Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard suddenly appeared on the injured list on Thursday with a hamstring injury, but he will most likely play through it.

J.J. McCarthy (ankle) returned to practice this week but would only play in an emergency situation. Van Ginkel will be on the sideline again with a neck injury. And center Ryan Kelly remains on injured reserve after suffering his second concussion of the season in the game against Pittsburgh. Blake Brandel will once again get the start at center with Michael Jurgens in reserve.

Eagles Banged Up But Looking to Rebound

The loss to the Giants last week was an unwelcome detour on the Eagles’ path to the playoffs. It will provide them all the motivation they need when facing off against the Vikings on Sunday. But they, too, have their injury woes. Edge Nolan Smith is on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

Star defensive tackle Jalen Carter missed last week’s game against the Giants with a heel injury. He only practiced on a limited basis this week. And starting left guard Landon Dickerson missed last week’s game with an ankle injury but was a full participant in practice on Friday and looks good to go.

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was held to 67 total yards against the Giants, and quarterback Jalen Hurts threw an interception and could only muster 13 rushing yards. In addition, the Philly defense was scorched for three rushing touchdowns by New York’s Cam Skattebo. The Eagles will look to reform their ways against a Vikings team that is well rested after their bye week.

Summary and Prediction

Of course, the Vikings have their generational superstar, Justin Jefferson, on their team. He is a threat whenever he is on the field. Getting Jordan Addison back from suspension has also boosted the Minnesota offense. But with the Eagles seething for a win and some missing persons out of the Vikings’ lineup, my prediction for the game is.

Eagles 31 Vikings 21