The Minnesota Vikings host the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium for Week 2 on Sunday Night Football. One matchup to closely monitor throughout the game is Atlanta’s injury-riddled offensive line vs. Minnesota’s stout defensive front. The Vikings’ pass rush may have the upper hand since the Falcons will start Elijah Wilkinson, a third-stringer, at right tackle.
However, the pass rush could be shorthanded as well.
Minnesota Vikings’ Pro Bowler entered concussion protocol this week
Jun 10, 2025; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches practices during minicamp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Andrew Van Ginkel must have suffered a concussion in Week 1 despite playing 91% of defensive snaps against the Chicago Bears. He entered the concussion protocol early in the week and has less time to clear it since they played on Monday. For Van Ginkel to be cleared for Sunday night, he had to complete the five phases: symptom-limited activity, aerobic exercise, football-specific exercise, club-based non-contact training drills, and full football activity/medical clearance by an Independent Neurological Consultant (INC), as highlighted by Mike Masala of Sporting News.
Minnesota Vikings pass rush hit with crushing blow for Week 2
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Andrew Van Ginkel did not participate in this week’s practice, a bad sign regarding his availability. During Friday’s press conference, Kevin O’Connell officially ruled the Pro Bowl pass rusher out, as reported by Dane Mizutani of the Pioneer Press. Van Ginkel’s absence is a crushing blow to the Vikings’ pass rush against the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive line.
Kevin O’Connell says Andrew Van Ginkel and Jeff Okudah have been ruled out. They are still in the concussion protocol. Christian Darrisaw is also being ruled out. Harrison Smith is questionable.
— Dane Mizutani (@DaneMizutani) September 12, 2025
Who starts in his stead?
Jun 10, 2025; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) looks on during minicamp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The plan is for Dallas Turner to make his starting debut alongside Jonathan Greenard. The second-year player has a golden opportunity to prove his worth as last year’s first-round pick with a strong performance Sunday night. Turner will face off against Elijah Wilkinson and aims to disrupt Michael Penix Jr’s blindside and shut down the run on the right side.
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