Brian O’Neill’s MCL sprain stacks atop Minnesota’s growing injury list, sidelining the right tackle with no surgery required but an unclear timetable. Justin Skule filled in as the Vikings lost to Pittsburgh, while Christian Darrisaw remains out early in the season after ACL rehab and Donovan Jackson is sidelined until after the bye due to a wrist procedure. Center Ryan Kelly’s concussion records worsen a line that has yet to field its full projected five. A London test against Myles Garrett looms, making depth and continuity crucial for the Vikings’ offensive scheme.

With the bye week approaching, Minnesota will hope for a speedy return from its starting unit, but the current mix raises questions for fantasy managers: who steps up at tackle and guard, how protection holds against a top edge rusher, and how the reshuffled line affects the run game and play action. The situation tightens as the Vikings chase stability and better performance from a unit that’s already endured a season’s worth of disruption.

M Vikings Week 3 injury report vs Cincinnati shows J.J. McCarthy ruled out with an ankle ailment, Ryan Kelly out (concussion) and Justin Skule out (concussion). Christian Darrisaw is listed as questionable with a knee issue, while Andrew Van Ginkel, Austin Keys and Harrison Smith sit as questionable (illness or injury). Jonathan Greenard, Donovan Jackson, Theo Jackson, Jeff Okudah and Josh Oliver have been removed from the injury report, signaling they’re likely to play. This mix of absences and returns could shift offensive and defensive balance in a pivotal Week 3 matchup.

Fantasy managers should watch late-week updates closely as depth pieces fill in, with potential implications for protection, run efficiency, and secondary coverage. The Bengals game could expose interior line and boundary depth if key Vikings players are limited, making late-week decisions and potential streaming choices more critical than usual.