The Arizona Cardinals (6-5) have proven to be a tough and physical team on defense this season, and they could have reinforcements coming for Sunday’s big road game (noon CST, FOX) against the Minnesota Vikings (9-2) at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Cardinals fans have been waiting all season for the NFL debut of first-round rookie Darius Robinson, who’s been out since late August with a calf injury. The wait could be over for Sunday’s key Week 13 clash between NFC playoff hopefuls, as Robinson is expected to play against the Vikings on a pitch count.
Minnesota, meanwhile, is hoping to get new starting left tackle Cam Robinson back in the lineup after he was knocked out early against the Chicago Bears last week.
MORE: NFL picks, score predictions Week 13: Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals
Who’s in and who’s out for this key Week 13 NFC matchup? Here’s a full team-by-team injury breakdown, with the latest news and updates off of Friday’s practice reports:
Vikings vs. Cardinals: Full injury designations
Arizona Cardinals
Questionable
- S Jalen Thompson (ankle)
Thompson has missed Arizona’s last two games with an ankle injury, and while fourth-round rookie Dadrion Taylor-Demerson has flashed at times in relief, the team is hoping to get its longtime starter back on the field against one of the more efficient offenses in football. Thompson has a chance to suit up after practicing in a limited capacity all three days this week.
- DE Darius Robinson (calf)
Robinson’s anticipated NFL debut could be coming on Sunday, as head coach Jonathan Gannon expressed optimism in the rookie’s progress from an August calf injury that landed him on injured reserve to start the season. Arizona selected Robinson No. 27 overall this past April.
- RB Emari Demercado (shoulder)
Demercado was listed as limited in all three practice sessions this week. He’s been operating as the team’s No. 3 running back behind James Conner and rookie Trey Benson, and hasn’t been much of a factor on special teams this season.
- S Joey Blount (hip)
Blount, a core special teams player for the Cardinals, was a late addition to Arizona’s injury report on Friday. He’s logged just 19 defensive snaps on the season.
Minnesota Vikings
Out
- TE Josh Oliver (wrist/ankle)
Oliver will miss his second consecutive game after once again being held out of practice all week with multiple injuries. Johnny Mundt saw an uptick in snaps in Oliver’s absence, and Nick Muse could also get more involved.
- S Jay Ward (elbow)
Ward, a reserve safety who has rarely seen the field on defense behind star veteran Harrison Smith, was held out of practice all week. He’s been a key member on special teams for Minnesota, logging 222 snaps on the season.
Questionable
- LT Cam Robinson (foot)
Minnesota’s starting left tackle appears ready to suit up against Arizona after ramping up to a full practice on Friday. Robinson played just nine snaps before suffering the injury in last week’s win over the Bears. David Quessonberry was the next man up for the Vikings in Chicago and would likely get the nod again if Robinson can’t go.
