Vikings-Saints Week 16 Injury Report: Minnesota's Defense Hit Hard

[Viktor]

EAGAN, Minn. — The short week of preparation — Minnesota visits New Orleans at 3:30 p.m. (CT) Friday — prompted the Vikings to hold a walk-through session on Tuesday.


Minnesota and New Orleans were required to issue their first injury reports of Week 16 on Tuesday, so the Vikings estimated that eight players did not participate and four more were limited.


Nine of the 12 players on the report play defense. That unit has been struck hard by injuries all season.


After missing the past three games and two games, respectively, it's no surprise that linebacker Eric Kendricks (calf) and tight end Kyle Rudolph (foot) were listed as not practicing.


They were joined in that status by fullback C.J. Ham (quadriceps), running back Alexander Mattison (concussion), linebackers Troy Dye (concussion/hamstring) and Todd Davis (ribs), defensive tackle Armon Watts (ankle) and defensive end Jalyn Holmes (groin).


Defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo (ankle), cornerback Cameron Dantzler (foot) and defensive tackles Jaleel Johnson (knee) and Hercules Mata'afa (low back) were limited.