Team news: Minnesota Vikings

49ers are listing TE George Kittle and WR Ricky Pearsall as questionable for Sunday night’s game against the Bears.

Related Players: Jake Tonges, Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, Demarcus Robinson

Jennings has really come along over the last month-plus so we should still expect him to be a very solid fantasy asset, whether Pearsall is in or not. As for Kittle, we need to have a contingency plan since they don't play until Monday night. Colston Loveland would be a fantastic option on the other sideline if he's available.

Vikings ruled out RB Jordan Mason and TE T.J. Hockenson, amongst others, for the Christmas Day game against Detroit.

Related Players: Aaron Jones, Zavier Scott, Ty Johnson, Josh Oliver

We'd like to think this would equate to a massive workload for Jones, but with no Playoff implications for the Vikings on the line, we could see a rotation with Scott and Johnson. Jones can still be considered an RB2, just closer to the RB3 fringe than the top-12.

Oliver is techincally in the TE streaming realm, but you can probably find yourself a better option on the WW.

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will not play against the Lions on Christmas due to a right hand injury.

X-rays taken of the hand after McCarthy was injured in last Sunday’s win over the Giants came back negative, but head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Tuesday that further imaging on the injury showed that McCarthy suffered a hairline fracture.

Related players: Max Brosmer

McCarthy has been ruled out for Thursday's Christmas Day game, and Brosmer will make his second start of the season. The story went on to say O’Connell said that McCarthy will not be placed on injured reserve and the team will evaluate his status for Week 18 after Thursday’s game. It's worth noting the Vikings skill players will take a hit here with Brosmer under center.

Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy left Sunday’s win over the Giants with a right hand injury and he would have missed practice on Monday for the same reason.

The Vikings turned in an estimated injury report ahead of Thursday’s game against the Lions and it showed McCarthy as a non-participant. X-rays of the hand were negative, but more tests were planned for Monday to determine the extent of McCarthy’s injury.

Running back Jordan Mason (ankle) and center Ryan Kelly (concussion) also would have missed practice after being injured on Sunday. Tight end T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) and right tackle Brian O’Neill (heel) were the other Vikings listed as out of practice.

Running back Aaron Jones (ankle) and defensive lineman Javon Hargrave (thigh) were listed as limited. Tight end Gavin Bartholomew (back), running back Ty Chandler (knee), and linebacker Austin Keys (ankle) were listed as full participants.

Related players: Max Brosmer, Zavier Scott, Ty Chandler

Jones was limited at running back but if he and Mason would happen to be out, it would leave the RB duties to Scott and Chandler. Brosmer would be in line to start if McCarthy can't go at QB.

Vikings J.J. McCarthy has a right hand injury and will get an MRI.

Related players Max Brosmer

Rapoport said X-rays were negative, but he will get an MRI to see if there is any other damage, or if it might be just a bruise. If McCarthy can't go in Week 17, Brosmer would get his second start. Of course, we all remember his first start. But, Brosmer was 7 for 9 for 52 yards in relief of McCarthy in Week 16.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy left Sunday’s game against the Giants with a hand injury.

McCarthy was injured on a sack taken in the second half. McCarthy went 9/14 for 108 yards with an interception. Max Brosmer came on in relief and went 7/9 for 52 yards, finishing up a 16-13 win for Minnesota.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy left Sunday’s game against the Giants with a hand injury.

McCarthy was injured on a sack taken in the second half. McCarthy went 9/14 for 108 yards with an interception. Max Brosmer came on in relief and went 7/9 for 52 yards, finishing up a 16-13 win for Minnesota.

Vikings RB Jordan Mason left Sunday’s game against the Giants with an ankle injury.

The Vikings momentarily were without both Mason and Aaron Jones, who also suffered an ankle injury. Jones has since returned to the game. Jones and Zavier Scott are currently the top two running backs for Minnesota.

He’s actually doing it.

After retiring following the 2020 season, 44-year-old Philip Rivers is signing with the Colts’ practice squad after working out with the club on Monday night, according to multiple reports.

Related players: Riley Leonard, Brett Rypien

You know the deal by now about the Colts QB situation. As the story said, we’ll see if Rivers is available for Sunday when the Colts head to Seattle. It's just not known yet if Rivers would start over Leonard and Rypien or would just be there as an emergency QB. As we reported earlier today, Rivers has worked with young QBs about to enter the NFL Draft, so he could be there as extra support for Leonard if he plays. One interesting note about a potential Rivers return, according to the story, whether Rivers gets on the field will affect his candidacy for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Rivers was named as one of 15 semifinalists for the class of 2026. His candidacy will reset if he signs to Indianapolis’ active roster, the story said.

Colts QB Riley Leonard has a Grade 1 PCL sprain.

Related players: Philip Rivers, Brett Rypien

Rapoport said, "that's not the bad kind" in reference to the sprain, but Leonard's status is still up in the air for Week 15. The plan is for Rivers to join the practice squad and Leonard would start if he could, according to the post. Rapoport also said there is a chance Leonard wouldn't be able to play, but didn't say who would start if that was the case. Rapoport added Rivers has helped to work with young QBs before the NFL Draft, a list that includes Drake Maye, Bo Nix … and Leonard. Rapoport also added that Rivers - who as we just reported - actually worked out on Monday night for the Colts, and he could also serve as another set of eyes and ears for Leonard - as he did in the pre-draft process.