INJURY AVALANCHE: Minnesota Vikings Offense is DEPLETED By Myriad Injuries

Later, I'll talk about a couple reinforcements the Vikings could have on the way.

But first, let's take stock of where the Vikings stand with this rash of injuries on offense.

They're losing an impact player per week and two of them for the season.

Left guard Donovan Jackson, meniscus tear, done for the year, it would appear.

I think they've left the door open by using words like might or likely out for the year.

Josh Oliver, torn biceps.

Again, long shot to play again this year.

Maybe the Vikings could make the Super Bowl and get him back in that game, but he's likely done for the year.

Then you've got Justin Jefferson, who they hope can practice this week.

He's missed most of the Bucs game, all of the Dolphins game, and now the Saints game, which means so much to him.

They want to get him back to play in his home state.

I think that he's better than a 50% proposition to play this week.

The tempting part is if you hold him out for one more week, then you get the bye after that.

Kevin O'Connell said he's not concerned about that.

He's not thinking about it in those terms.

But you've only had Justin Jefferson essentially for two of the four games.

Jordan Mason, at least one more game without him.

Fractured thumb, only played one game.

You've been leaning way too heavily on Aaron Jones.

And the running game has been used abundantly, not always efficiently.

Vikings are still toward the bottom of the league in yards per carry.

But Aaron Jones has been vital and important because they don't trust anybody else besides him.

They need Jordan Mason back before Aaron Jones splinters into a million pieces.

And then Christian Derrissaw.

We're obviously very concerned about losing the super physical blocking of Donovan Jackson, the blocking of Josh Oliver, but Christian Derrissaw's concussion, and don't forget about the neck issue tossed in there as well.