Jefferson, Thielen and Cook to play Sunday against Panthers; Pierce, Ellefson out
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates with teammates after catching a 12-yard touchdown pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Minneapolis.[AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn]
Despite not practicing on Wednesday or Thursday due to injuries, wide receivers Justin Jefferson (ankle) and Adam Thielen (foot) are expected to play on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Running back Dalvin Cook is also good to go for Week 6. He has been dealing with an ankle injury the past three weeks, rushing the ball for only 34 yards on nine attempts during that timeframe.
However, the Vikings will be without the services of a defensive lineman and tight end. Michael Pierce (elbow) and Ben Ellefson (knee) have been ruled out for this weekend’s contest. Pierce will miss his second straight game after suffering the injury against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4.
Minnesota also activated cornerback Cameron Dantzler off the COVID-19/Reserve list on Thursday.
On the other side of the field, the Panthers will take the field without their star running back Christian McCaffrey, as he has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Linebackers Shaq Thompson (foot) and Kamal Martin (concussion) are also ruled out.