The Minnesota Vikings will be without star linebacker Jonathan Greenard for the second consecutive game as they take on the Green Bay Packers.
Greenard missed last week's home loss to the Chicago Bears with a shoulder injury, and it's been confirmed that he's not recovered enough for Sunday's border battle in Wisconsin.
The news is a huge blow for the Vikings' hopes of pressuring Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love. Even having missed a game, Greenard's 36 pressures are 11 more than the next-closest VIkings defender.
Even with a missed game, Greenard's 36 pressures are still 11 more than the next-closest Vikings defender. He's also an excellent run defender from his edge position.
But stopping the run might be easier for Minnesota as the Packers will be without starting running back Josh Jacobs, who has been dealing with a thigh injury. Backup Emmanuel Wilson will likely take most of the snaps in his absence.
And there is better news for the Vikings offensive line, with starting center Ryan Kelly having been cleared to return to the roster for the first time since Week 4 after recovering from concussions.
Ryan Kelly will officially return to the lineup on Sunday for the first time since Week 4, and he will not carry an injury designation into the showdown with the Packers, according to the team.
Giving J.J. McCarthy time to react to a fierce Packers pass-rush that includes superstar Micah Parsons will be crucial if the Vikings are to have any hope of upsetting their Wisconsin rivals.