Vikings Prepare Four Starters to Return for Colts Game

The Minnesota Vikings expect several key offensive players to return to practice as they prepare to host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday, October 20, that running back Jordan Mason, wide receiver Jordan Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson and left tackle Christian Darrisaw were expected to participate in Wednesday's practice after recovering from injuries during the team's bye week.

Minnesota enters the matchup with a 5-0 record, while Indianapolis is 2-4. The Vikings will host the Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, with the potential return of multiple starters offering the team additional options on offense.

According to the Vikings' official announcement on October 19, Mason was designated to return to practice after spending time on injured reserve because of a thumb fracture sustained in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers. The move opens a 21-day evaluation window for Minnesota to determine when he is ready to return to the active roster.

Mason recorded 59 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries against Green Bay before suffering the injury. His return could help reduce the workload on Aaron Jones Sr., who handled an increased share of the running game during Mason's absence.

According to Sports Illustrated, Jones accumulated 97 touches during the four-week period covered by Mason's recovery. Jones recorded 113 rushing yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown on an 8-yard run during Minnesota's 23-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 5.

Jordan Addison is also expected to return after dealing with a hamstring injury. Head coach Kevin O'Connell indicated before the Saints game that Addison had been close to playing, but the receiver could not reach full readiness after testing the injury before kickoff.

Hockenson and Darrisaw are working through concussion protocols. Hockenson suffered his concussion against the Saints in Week 5, while Darrisaw experienced concussion symptoms during the Week 4 game against the Miami Dolphins after initially leaving with a neck injury and briefly returning.

Both players must receive medical clearance before returning to game action. Sports Illustrated noted that Minnesota could rely more heavily on tight end Gavin Bartholomew if Hockenson remains unavailable; Bartholomew caught five passes after Hockenson left the Saints game.

Quarterback Kyler Murray has also shown signs of improvement following an early-season concussion. He sustained the injury during the opening quarter against Green Bay in Week 1, missing the remainder of that game and the following matchup against the Chicago Bears.

According to Heavy, Minnesota's offense scored only one touchdown across its full games against Tampa Bay and Miami in Weeks 3 and 4. Murray subsequently showed progress late against Miami and continued that improvement against New Orleans.

Murray completed 24 of 30 passes for 229 yards and one touchdown in the victory over the Saints, according to Heavy. His performance came as Jones continued to shoulder a significant rushing workload, with Mason's anticipated return potentially giving the offense another option.

Minnesota will still be without several players for the remainder of the season. Sports Illustrated reported that guard Donovan Jackson suffered a torn meniscus and tight end Josh Oliver sustained a torn triceps, while safety Jamal Adams and edge rusher Tyler Batty were also sidelined for the season after suffering a torn quadriceps and a torn ACL, respectively.

The Vikings are scheduled to face the Colts at noon Central Time on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Indianapolis recently dismissed general manager Chris Ballard following a loss to the Tennessee Titans, according to Heavy.