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The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings, two of the best offensive teams in the NFL thus far, square off in Week 7 on Sunday in St. Paul, Minnesota, with the game likely deciding who finishes first in the NFC North.
The Lions' offense has been outstanding this season, leading the NFL in points scored per game (30.2). They have scored 40+ points in two straight contests, notably their 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys last week.
Both teams have a lot riding on this game. Below is a rundown of their state of fitness ahead of the much-anticipated matchup.
Minnesota Vikings injury report
The Minnesota Vikings ruled out linebacker Blake Cashman (toe) and cornerback Akayleb Evans (hip) for their home game against the Detroit Lions on their final injury report, which was released on Friday.
Five other players were listed as questionable on the final injury report — running back Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring), outside linebacker Pat Jones II (shoulder), defensive lineman Harrison Phillips (shoulder), tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) and guard Dalton Risner (back).
Tight end Josh Oliver (wrist) and safety Theo Jackson (hand), who were listed on the injury report this week, weren't carrying any injury designations on Friday's final report. So, both should be available on Sunday.
Detroit Lions injury report
Only three players are carrying injury designations on the Detroit Lions' final injury report ahead of their Week 7 road game against the Vikings.
Cornerback Carlton Davis III (quad) and guard Kevin Zeitler (groin) missed practice twice this week and are listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup. At least it's encouraging that they haven't been ruled out yet.
Even though offensive lineman Christian Mahogany participated fully in practice all week, he won't be available for Sunday's divisional contest due to illness.
Aaron Jones injury update
The Minnesota Vikings have listed Aaron Jones as questionable to play on Sunday due to a hamstring issue. However, NFL Network insider Ian Rapaport expects him to play in the divisional game against the Lions.
"This is going to be a really great game, and Aaron Jones, the star running back for the Minnesota Vikings, will likely play in it," Ian Rapaport said on Good Morning Football on Friday.
Jones missed the first practice of the week on Wednesday but got in limited practices on Thursday and Friday. It seems like he should be ready to play in Week 7, assuming he has no setbacks during Sunday's pregame warmups.
T.J. Hockenson injury update
T.J. Hockenson has been listed as questionable to play in Week 7 on the Minnesota Vikings injury report. However, it's unlikely that he will play his first game of the season against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, as he continues to heal from a knee injury, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert
Hockenson's knee ailment, which has kept him out of the Vikings' first five games of the season, is reportedly healed. But he still needs some time to adjust, so it's unlikely that he will be back to normal this week.
Hockenson was guaranteed to miss the first four games of the season because he was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list at the beginning of the season. The tight end's practice window was opened by Minnesota at the start of October, and he registered three limited practice participations this week.
Aidan Hutchinson injury update
Star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson sustained a nasty leg injury during the Detroit Lions' Week 6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. He will miss the remainder of the 2024 campaign due to the injury.
Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg last week, but as NFL Insider Albert Breer noted during the week, Hutchinson was fortunate to have no damage to his nerves, ligaments or arteries.
Breer also added that if Hutchinson's recovery goes well, he might play in the Super Bowl, provided the Lions advance that far.
