PLAYER NOTES
–S Andrew Sendejo was placed on injured reserve this week after he had a setback with his injured groin. Sendejo ended up playing in just five games and had 27 tackles. Head coach Mike Zimmer declared Anthony Harris his starter after Harris has started the past four games. Minnesota also signed CB Craig James to the active roster.
–WR Stefon Diggs was held out of practice on Wednesday with a knee injury. Diggs played the entire game on Sunday night and had eight catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. His 79 receptions are fifth in the NFL this season.
–CB Xavier Rhodes was held out of practice on Wednesday with a hamstring injury he suffered in Sunday night’s game. Rhodes limped off the field and missed the remainder of the game. On Monday, Zimmer called the injury “very, very mild” and said Wednesday that there’s a “good chance” Rhodes plays on Sunday.
–WR Adam Thielen was limited at practice on Wednesday with a calf injury. Thielen has been on the injury report with calf and low back issues but has played in games.
–LB Ben Gedeon returned to practice on Wednesday after he had a concussion. Gedeon, Minnesota’s starter in its 4-3 base defense, was limited on Wednesday.
–TE David Morgan was still not participating as the team returned to practice on Wednesday. Morgan has missed the past two games with a knee injury.
–WR Chad Beebe did not practice on Wednesday because of a hamstring injury.
–G Tom Compton was a full participant in practice on Wednesday as he plays through a knee injury.
–LB Eric Kendricks was listed on the injury report on Wednesday with a chest injury. Kendricks was a full participant in practice.
–G Mike Remmers practiced in full on Wednesday as he deals with a low back injury.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: S Harrison Smith. There are going to be plenty of players responsible for trying to slow down New England quarterback Tom Brady. Smith will be right in the middle of the plans as he covers deep against the Patriots’ receivers, tries to limit tight end Rob Gronkowski and spies on Brady and the running game.
GAME PLAN: Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has talked about wanting to run the ball more and the need to do it with tough games in cold-weather environments. Still, Minnesota has been more pass-oriented than run-first all season. Weather on Sunday calls for a chance of rain and temperatures in the 50s. The Vikings will need the run to help control the game and keep Brady off the field. It was successful Sunday against Green Bay when Minnesota didn’t run for 100 yards as a team but had 29 combined runs. New England is 14th in the league against the run and 25th against the pass.
Containing Brady has always been the top focus for Patriots’ opponents. Minnesota will look to use its four-man front to pressure Brady with some blitzes mixed in. But New England has a running game to worry about with rookie Sony Michel. The Vikings’ run defense is back to elite status and will need to slow Michel.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
–Vikings LBs vs. Patriots RB Sony Michel. Through a variety of backs, New England has always had success running the ball when it needs to complement QB Tom Brady. Michel has, perhaps, added a different dynamic. The rookie set a career high with 133 yards rushing last week. He has at last 100 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in four of his past six games. LBs Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr have their hands full trying to keep track of the versatile, talented rookie.
–Vikings WRs vs. Patriots DBs. The passing game when Minnesota is on offense should be fun to watch. New England has one of the top cornerbacks in the game in Stephon Gilmore and has paired cornerback Jason McCourty with his brother, safety Devin McCourty, with Patrick Chung at safety. Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs have made Minnesota’s offense go this season. Thielen usually sees the opponent’s nickel back while working from the slot. Diggs typically gets the tough matchup against a team’s top cover cornerback. The matchups will be interesting on Sunday.
