Vikings without Blake Cashman, Hockenson questionable against Rams
Blake Cashman #51 of the Minnesota Vikings defends during the game between the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ((Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Vikings face the L.A. Rams at SoFi Stadium for Thursday Night Football, and they’ll be without linebacker Blake Cashman for the second straight game.
Cashman suffered a turf toe injury against the New York Jets in London, and missed Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions. He has not been placed on injured reserve, which would require him to sit at least four games.
What it means
Cashman is the leading tackler on defense and carries the green dot responsibilities, which means he has helmet communication with the sideline to make pre-snap adjustments. Without Cashman last week, Ivan Pace Jr. was in that spot and returned a fumble for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
T.J. Hockenson, Dalton Risner questionable
We’ll have to wait until 90 minutes before kickoff Thursday to get an official status on T.J. Hockenson and Dalton Risner. The Vikings are holding walk-throughs this week, and Hockenson was limited Tuesday as he works his way back from knee surgery. If he can’t play Thursday, he’s most likely to return in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football.
Risner, who suffered a back injury in training camp, was a full participant on Monday and could be in line to play Thursday. If he’s active, he could replace Ed Ingram at right guard.
Aaron Jones good to go
Running back Aaron Jones was not listed on the final injury report after returning last week from a hip/hamstring injury suffered in London. Jones had 14 carries for 93 yards against the Lions, including a 34-yard touchdown on his first touch.
The Vikings are looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season, and avoid their second loss in five days.