The Vikings have officially ruled out RT Brian O’Neill, RB Alexander Mattison, and WR Jalen Nailor for Saturday’s game against the Bengals in Cincinnati. O’Neill and Mattison are sidelined due to ankle sprains, while Nailor remains in the concussion protocol.
WR Justin Jefferson and backup OL Chris Reed are listed as questionable. Jefferson is anticipated to play despite a chest injury suffered on Sunday against the Raiders. Barring any setbacks in pregame warmups, he is expected to be available.
Coach O’Connell mentioned that O’Neill, Mattison, and Nailor are all progressing positively and could potentially be available for the NFC North showdown with the Lions on Christmas Eve. However, they will sit out this week to focus on recovering.
In the absence of O’Neill, David Quessenberry will make his second start of the season. The veteran, who previously played at left tackle against the Eagles and Falcons, started the Atlanta game and played 75 offensive snaps. He took over at RT against the Raiders after O’Neill’s injury.
With Mattison sidelined, Ty Chandler will serve as the Vikings’ lead running back in the game against the Bengals. Fullback C.J. Ham is expected to see significant playing time in the backfield, and Kene Nwangwu is likely to mix in as the RB2.
