Kendricks doubtful; Barr questionable

The Vikings might be missing 2 of their 3 starting LBs Sunday in Oakland. MLB Eric Kendricks (ribs) is doubtful despite returning to a limited practice Friday. That would mark his 2nd missed game, though the Friday return has us hopeful for Week 11. OLB Anthony Barr (hand) also returned to a limited practice Friday after sitting out Wednesday and Thursday. He's questionable for Sunday. HC Mike Zimmer had said earlier in the week that he though both guys would be ready. Minnesota will likely get DT Sharrif Floyd back for the Oakland game. Floyd's probable after a full Friday workout and limited sessions the previous 2 days. He missed the past 3 games after a foot injury that required surgery. He's officially listed with knee and ankle issues in the current report but has said he'll play. IDP owners should wait to see Floyd back in action before considering him a starting option. Veteran Chad Greenway turned back into a full-time LB with Kendricks out last week and will be an IDP option again this weekend.

The Vikings have reached a deal to make Brian Flores their new DC. Flores spent last year as a defensive assistant in Pittsburgh after a messy breakup with the Dolphins. His Miami defenses improved from 32nd in Football Outsiders’ DVOA his first season to 11th and 10th in his final two. Before that, Flores spent 15 years under HC Bill Belichick in New England, including stints coaching safeties and LBs. He inherits a talented Vikings D that fell from 16th in 2021 DVOA to 27th this past season

The Vikings have ruled S Harrison Smith (concussion) out for Sunday's game against the Lions. LB Eric Kendricks (toe) is questionable. Kendricks didn't appear on the injury report until Friday, when the issue limited his participation. That's worrisome timing for his Week 3 status. We'll keep an eye on him through Sunday morning.

Minnesota added LB Eric Kendricks to the injury report Thursday, when he missed practice with a quad issue. We'll see whether he makes it back onto the field Friday. DE Everson Griffen also sat out with a concussion, which doesn't bode well for his Week 2 readiness. OLB Anthony Barr looks poised to miss at least 1 more game with the knee injury that kept him out of the opener. That would mean another start for Nick Vigil, assuming he's healthy enough to play. Vigil was limited Wednesday and Thursday with an ankle issue. We'll see about his game status after Friday's practice.

The Vikings will be replacing their OC for the 2nd straight offseason. Gary Kubiak on Thursday announced his retirement (for the 2nd time in his coaching career). That comes roughly a year after Minnesota lost OC Kevin Stefanski to the Cleveland HC gig. ESPN's Courtney Cronin reports that the team is considering promoting from within to replace Kubiak, who was on the staff prior to filling Stefanski's vacancy. An in-house promotion would seem to favor the team continuing to lean run, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Kubiak's son, Klint, has emerged as a favorite. Klint Kubiak spent the past 2 seasons as Minnesota's QBs coach. We'll see who the Vikings settle on.

Vikings S Harrison Smith (hamstring), DT Linval Joseph (knee) and S Anthony Harris (groin) are active for tonight's game against the Seahawks. Each entered the day questionable but is ready if you waited on him for IDP use.