27 December 2023
The defender who was most likely going to be tasked with marking star receiver Justin Jefferson won’t be available when the Vikings host the Green Bay Packers on New Year’s Eve.
In a surprising move, star cornerback Jaire Alexander has been suspended by the Packers for conduct detrimental to the team. This is a direct result of Alexander’s antics before the Packers played the Carolina Panthers last week. He went rogue pregame, walking to midfield for the coin toss, then making the call despite not being a team captain.
“We have an expectation that everyone puts the team first,” general manager Brian Gutekunst said in a statement released by the Packers. “We had a good conversation with Jaire this morning and fully expect him to learn from this as we move forward together.”
It will be interesting to see who defends Jefferson with Alexander not suiting up for the game. It likely will be cornerback Eric Stokes with a ton of help over the top.
There has been a longstanding rivalry between Jefferson and Alexander that hasn’t hit nearly the same level this season. Neither player has been available to face the other, with Jefferson missing the first game due to a hamstring injury, and now, Alexander missing the second game this week due to his suspension.
O’Neill practices in full
The good news for the Vikings is right tackle Brian O’Neill appears to be on the precipice of returning to the offensive line.
After missing the past couple games with an ankle injury, O’Neill was a full participant in practice Wednesday at TCO Performance Center. His presence up front would be a big boost for the Vikings heading into the Packers game.
Addison does not participate
The bad news for the Vikings is rookie receiver Jordan Addison does not seem likely to play this weekend. He did not participate in practice after suffering an ankle injury last week in the Vikings’ loss to the Detroit Lions. If Addison is unable to go, slot receiver Brandon Powell would likely take on a more prominent role in the offense.
The other players who did not participate in practice included cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (knee), cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (shoulder), safety Theo Jackson (toe), defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy (ankle) and receiver Jalen Nailor (concussion).
Briefly
After suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his right knee, tight end T.J. Hockenson has officially been placed on injured reserve. Likewise, pass rusher D.J. Wonnum has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn quad.
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