MINNEAPOLIS— Halloween is just around the corner and suddenly the 2024 NFL season is looking a little scary if you’re a Minnesota Vikings fan. Not only will the NFC North squad look to snap a two-game losing streak on Sunday, but the boys in purple will also do so without left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Los Angeles Rams.
As we look ahead to Sunday night’s Week 9 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, here’s the latest from CBS Sports writer and Vikings insider Cody Benjamin.
News pieces
The Vikings wasted no time addressing the loss of Darrisawacquire on Tuesday Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson in a trade of late-round draft picks. Robinson was recently benched as Trevor Lawrence’s blind-side blocker, and he has missed extended periods of time over the years due to both injury and suspension, but he was perhaps the most talented replacement available. The 29-year-old brings 91 games of starting experience and ensures the Vikings will have more than one emergency offensive line combination to keep quarterback Sam Darnold afloat. He’ll probably see pictures right away.
Insider buzz
The Vikings won’t say this publicly, but it’s safe to assume not every Minnesota staffer is happy that the Colts are doing so. Benching Anthony Richardson in favor of Joe Flacco for Sunday night’s game. Neither quarterback is necessarily impressive, so the difference may end up being marginal, but Flacco is much steadier as a passer this year. And Brian Flores’ Vikings defense has been the victim of big guns lately.
Star tight end TJ Hockenson is finally set to make his season debut Sunday, about 10 months after suffering an ACL tear late in 2023. Do not count on a large workload that is expected immediately. Not only do the Vikings want him healthy for a playoff push, but there’s little reason why they shouldn’t continue to feed Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the edge, and keep Aaron Jones’ center role on offense.
The big picture
It may not be the time to hit the panic button, but there’s no denying that the Vikings are suddenly under legitimate pressure to halt their losing skid, thanks to the strength of the NFC North. The weak AFC South could be a quick fix as Minnesota has three straight games on the schedule with the Colts, Jaguars and Tennessee Titans respectively. Still, Flores’ defense no longer looks like the suffocating unit it did for much of September, and Darnold will likely be tasked with making even quicker decisions behind a shaken front.
Around the North
The Detroit Lions (6-1) are heading to Green Bay to face the Packers (5-2) in another must-see NFC North game. Jordan Love is once again in contention for the pack, meaning Malik Willis could be responsible for the lead in green and yellow. Either way, the Lions could be the class of the conference, looking for their fifth straight game with at least 30 points. The Chicago Bears (4-3) are looking to bounce back from a last-second win Hail Mary-induced loss to the Washington Commanders by taking on the Arizona Cardinals along the way.
WCCO personnel
