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Vikings: T.J. Hockenson, Dalton Risner could return from IR this week

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Updated  October 21, 2024 5:49pm CDT
Minnesota Vikings
FOX 9

Kevin O'Connell reflects on Vikings first loss

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell met with reporters on Monday at TCO Performance Center after their first loss of the season, and ahead of their Thursday Night Football match-up at the L.A. Rams.

The Brief

    • The Vikings head to the L.A. Rams on a short week after their first loss of the season
    • Kevin O'Connell is hopeful to have T.J. Hockenson and Dalton Risner off IR, he was less certain about Blake Cashman
    • The Vikings/Colts Week 9 match-up has been flexed to Sunday Night Football

EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings have a short week coming off their first loss of the season, traveling to play the L.A. Rams for Thursday Night Football.

Kevin O’Connell said Monday "it’s very much a possibility" that tight end T.J. Hockenson and offensive lineman Dalton Risner could be back on the field against the Rams. Hockenson is in the final week of his 21-day practice window to return from a torn ACL last December. He was closing in on his first 100-catch and 1,000-yard season before the knee injury.

Risner suffered a back injury during training camp, and was designated to return to practice last week. If he’s activated, he could replace Ed Ingram at right guard.

KOC less optimistic on Blake Cashman

O’Connell didn’t sound as optimistic about Blake Cashman having a chance to play Thursday against the Rams. He missed the Lions game after suffering a turf toe injury in London against the Jets.

Cashman, the leading tackler on defense and the green dot, is progressing. O’Connell said he isn’t sure if he’ll be available for the Rams, but could be ready against the Indianapolis Colts. Without Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr. took over most of the linebacker duties and returned a fumble for a touchdown that gave the Vikings a fourth quarter lead.

Vikings/Colts Week 9 flexed to Sunday Night Football.

The NFL announced that the Vikings’ game against the Indianapolis Colts set for Nov. 3 at U.S. Bank Stadium has been flexed to Sunday Night Football. The Vikings would be 6-1 entering the game if they beat the Rams. The Colts are at the Houston Texans this week.

KOC has nothing but love for Sean McVay

The Vikings face the Rams Thursday night, which means it’s a reunion for Kevin O’Connell with Sean McVay. O’Connell spent two seasons working with McVay as the Rams’ offensive coordinator. In 2021, the two won a Super Bowl together.

"He’s one of my closest friends in this league. He’s as good as it gets, and I’ve got nothing but love for him and it will always be like that. We’ll always look back on those two years as incredibly impactful, getting to culminate it winning a Super Bowl is something I will not ever forget," O’Connell said.

The two met last year in Week 3, and McVay got the 28-24 victory. This year, they meet on national TV.

"Thank goodness for the viewing pleasure at home it’s not going to be Sean and I going 1-on-1. Even though I think he’s probably quicker, little bit more sudden change. But I’ve definitely got the length and sneaky athleticism," O’Connell said.