Team news: Minnesota Vikings | Page 3

Positive development for Texans running game as Dameon Pierce is expected to return this week, per league sources, from a strained hamstring that sidelined him the past two games. #Texans starter Joe Mixon still regarded as week to week with ankle injury, per sources

Related Players: Cam Akers

Akers found the end zone on a receiving touchdown last week but was ineffective in all other areas of the field. After a 9-21 performance, his yards per carry are down to 3.31 and he has a fumble to his name. This is likely to be a rotation in Week 4, with plodding Pierce liable to take a little more of the action. It's a stay-away situation until Mixon returns.

Kevin O'Connell said they're "optimistic" about Jordan Addison this week.

Related players: Jalen Nailor

Addison hasn't played since third quarter of the team's Sept. 8 win at the Giants when he injured his ankle. He would be a welcome addition to the Vikings passing attack and an offense that's already clicking. He'll likely slide back in as the team's WR2. The return of Addison puts a dent into Nailor's fantasy value, even after a 3-31-1 effort in Week 3.

Vikings QB Sam Darnold’s MRI revealed a knee bruise.

The post added there was no structural damage. Darnold isn't expected to miss any time, but owners will want to keep an eye on his practice status this week just in case. The Vikings are at the Packers in Week 4, which is an early Sunday contest.

“It’s good, and that’s as much as I’m gonna say about that,” Sam Darnold told PFT by phone after Sunday’s 34-7 win over the Texans, regarding his knee.

At first, it didn’t look good. It looked the opposite of good. Darnold had the demeanor of a guy who feared the worst and was trying to will his way through it.

He willed his way back to the field, after missing only one play. He threw four touchdown passes and no interceptions for the day. Darnold kept going until Nick Mullens re-entered and took a knee on the final snap of the game.

Darnold will have an MRI today, per the story. And, the story went on to say there’s no reason to think the Vikings fear the worst because Darnold did his post-game press conference, and they made him available by phone after the game.

Vikings are not listing Justin Jefferson on this week’s injury report for Sundays game vs. the Texans, but Minnesota has ruled out WR Jordan Addison.

Related Players: Jalen Nailor, Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield

Addison's season has gone from bad to worse, with off-the-field issues still sitting in the background. Nailor makes for an interesting desperation Flex play against Houston this week, while Jefferson needs to be started everywhere.

No sign of RBs Joe Mixon or Dameon Pierce today. They haven’t practiced this week. Looking more and more like a Cam Akers week.

Related Players: Dare Ogunbowale

Akers took much of the role following Mixon's injury in Week 2, producing 39 total yards on eight opportunities. Ogunbowale will rotate in —particularly on third downs— but Akers should be fired up as a fringe RB2/3 for Week 3.

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson participated in today’s walk through, despite his quad injury. It looks as if he is on track to play Sunday vs. the Texans.

Related Players: Jalen Nailor, Trent Sherfield, Brandon Powell, Trishton Jackson

You love to see it. Fire JJ up everywhere.

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell says the team is hoping to have WR Jordan Addison.

Related players: Jalen Nailor

Addison is still rehabbing his ankle injury. And the post went on to say Addison resides in the questionable territory right now, and it's all about what type of work he gets this week. The team still knows it needs him long term, the post went on to say. Others who follow the team say the Vikings will certainly be cautious with Addison. Nailor will likely continue to be a popular name on the waiver wire this week, and if he's still there in your league, is probably worth grabbing - even as a stash if Addison plays. Nailor had a 3-54-1 line last week

Kevin O’Connell said Justin Jefferson came in “feeling pretty good” on Monday after his quad contusion on Sunday.

Jefferson was limping around the sideline before heading back to the locker room Sunday, leaving owners to wonder if they would be without their star WR in fantasy lineups. But reports would eventually surface the injury wasn't that bad and Jefferson remains day to day. There seems to be a lot of optimism Jefferson will be able to suit up for Week 3, which is an early game against the Texans. His practice availability will be closely monitored this week.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that Joe Mixon is getting an MRI on his ankle.

Related players: Dameon Pierce, Dare Ogunbowale, Cam Akers

Mixon was able to return to Sunday night’s game after hurting his ankle, but there’s enough concern about the injury for Mixon to go for tests on Monday, the story went on to say. While it was good news he was able to return, Mixon owners may want to backup their RB if they haven't already. Pierce was the team's RB1 before Mixon was signed and should be up next if Mixon would have to miss time. Ogunbowale is more of the pass-catching back. Akers had a nice preseason and looks to be healthy again and could factor in as well.