Blow For Vikings And Win For Detroit lions As $40m Worth Starter Lose…
The Minnesota Vikings need to fend off a vaunted Detroit Lions passing offense this week to defend their NFC North division title — but they’ll have to do so without starting cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.
Murphy, who suffered a knee injury in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals, did not practice all week before he was ruled out on Friday, December 22.
The Vikings signed Murphy to their largest free agency contract in March, securing the former Arizona Cardinals star to a two-year contract worth up to $22 million.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said he believes Murphy suffered the injury early against the Bengals but played through the pain.
That just goes to show you how tough he is. Battled through it, fought through it,” O’Connell said on Friday, per the Star Tribune.
“That’s one guy where sometimes you look at him and no matter what the injury report says you’re expecting him to be out there.”
The Vikings’ injury woes don’t end with just Murphy.
Six other contributors are questionable for Sunday’s game: right tackle Brian O’Neill (ankle), running back Alexander Mattison (ankle), linebacker Jordan Hicks (shin), linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (shoulder), and defensive tackles Harrison Phillips (back) and Jonathan Bullard (ankle).
Wide receiver Jalen Nailor was also ruled out with a concussion.
As the Vikings’ No. 1 cornerback, Murphy has played 908 snaps (99%) of defensive snaps this season and leads the team with three interceptions.
He’s served as the boundary corner opposite of second-year cornerback Akayleb Evans and the slot cornerback with third-round rookie Mekhi Blackmon taking Murphy’s spot outside.
Blackmon has played 39% of defensive snaps so far this season and should see an uptick in playtime with Murphy out against a Lions offense that ranks fourth in the league, averaging 253.5 passing yards a game.
“It’s been eye-opening,” Blackmon said, per the Star Tribune. “You never really know what to expect, but this is the NFL. I’m really excited for this week with this being a big game.”