NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
The Minnesota Vikings kick off their 2026 regular season against Green Bay on Sunday. It’s a rivalry game out of the gate at U.S. Bank Stadium that, on paper, shouldn’t be a fair fight, given Friday’s availability reports.
In Green Bay, hopes that superstar linebacker Micah Parsons would be healthy in Week 1 waned months ago. Meanwhile, running back Josh Jacobs is on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, after being charged with domestic violence.
Throw in a few key injuries, and the Packers are quite literally limping into their matchup as +1.5 point underdogs on Sunday afternoon, at U.S. Bank Stadium against the Vikings.
Green Bay without key players against Minnesota Vikings
Among the group of “DNPs” at Packers practice today was former Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Green Bay’s other starter along with interior defensive line, Devonte Wyatt, was a limited participant. It’s a less-than-ideal situation, especially considering Warren Brinson didn’t practice either.
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Name Position Injury Status
Aaron Banks G Knee Limited
Warren Brinson DT Calf DNP
Javon Hargrave DT Knee Limited
Ty’Ron Hopper LB Achilles DNP
Jordan Morgan T/G Knee Full
Barryn Sorrell Edge Foot Limited
Zach Bako-Bewele OL Knee Limited
Devonte Wyatt DT Ankle Limited
Micah Parsons Edge Knee PUP
Josh Jacobs RB Arrest Exempt
After playing in just three games for the 49ers in 2024, Hargrave was active for 16 games last year with Minnesota. Remember, this is the same front-seven that is already without Micah Parsons.
At running back, Green Bay will turn to MarShawn Lloyd as their RB1. The former 2024 3rd round pick (USC) played in just a single game that season, and has yet to appear since… until this Sunday.
Opposite fortunes for Minnesota Vikings
On the sideline, the Minnesota Vikings are healthier than they have been for Kevin O’Connell’s entire tenure as head coach. Not one player was held out for injury reasons Friday, though Harrison Smith (who just re-joined the team earlier this week) and Christian Darrisaw got a veteran’s day off.
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Name Position Injury Status
Jakobe Thomas S Illness Full
Jacob Thomas S Ankle Full
Caleb Tiernan OL Ankle Full
Harrison Smith S Rest Limited
Christian Darrisaw OT Rest DNP
Kyle Van Noy was signed to the practice squad, as edge rushing depth last week. Kevin O’Connell did not reveal whether or not he will be elevated for week one, but that’s the expectation.