Michael Jurgens, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings are back at U.S. Bank Stadium for the first time since Week 3 on Sunday. They’ll welcome the Philadelphia Eagles in as Carson Wentz starts in a revenge game. Kevin O’Connell sticks with consistency at quarterback, and a healthy J.J. McCarthy will operate as the emergency option.
Beyond just the quarterback position, we have seen Minnesota trend in a positive direction on the injury front. Of course the time off over the bye can be credited for that, but the injury report brings plenty of players close to ready with questionable statuses.
The offensive line has been the focus of multiple injury updates this season. That is no different this week, although the linebacker group gets in on the action as well.
Final #PHIvsMIN injury report
OUT: OLB Andrew Van Ginkel
QUESTIONABLE: Tyler Batty*, Blake Cashman*, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Michael Jurgens, J.J. McCarthy, Brian O'Neill
*Returned to practice and currently within 21-day practice window pic.twitter.com/JT5OwFzxJv
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 17, 2025
Both Michael Jurgens and Brian O’Neill are still among linemen working back towards full health. Jurgens had been out with a hamstring injury, and O’Neill suffered an MCL sprain against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin.
It’s possible that O’Neill returns to the starting lineup, replacing Justin Skule, but he will be a game time decision and require a brace if he is out there.
Edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel remains out as he works through a neck injury, but inside linebacker Blake Cashman is expected back. Cashman has been out since Week 1, and his return could push Ivan Pace Jr. out of the starting lineup. Cashman will again assume green dot duties on defense.
Vikings make change at center
Minnesota started the season with veteran Ryan Kelly as their new starting center. Now having suffered two concussions in a matter of four weeks, the future of his career is in doubt. Michael Jurgens backed him up until he was off the field in London due to his hamstring injury. Now, after one career game at center, Blake Brandel is the starter.
Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell says Blake Brandel will start at center.
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) October 17, 2025
Coming into Week 5 Blake Brandel had played 60 games in his professional career, and his 61st was the first one he played at center. It went well, so well in fact, he is now taking over for Jurgens.
It’s possible that Jurgens won’t actually be active on Sunday as he still has a questionable designation. However, the Minnesota Vikings gushed over Brandel’s play and believe in him enough to run it back this week.
Mentioned in this article: Andrew Van Ginkel Blake Brandel Blake Cashman Michael Jurgens More About: Minnesota Vikings