The Minnesota Vikings face a pivotal offseason as they contemplate roster changes for the upcoming season, particularly concerning offensive guard Ed Ingram. Ingram, who struggled significantly last season, lost his starting position and ended the year with a disappointing overall grade of 54.0 according to Pro Football Focus, ranking him at 100th out of 135 qualifying guards. With a looming cap hit of $3.7 million, more than double last season's $1.6 million, the Vikings may consider cutting Ingram, incurring only $385,000 in dead cap. This decision is compounded by Ingram allowing five sacks and tallying three penalties over 580 snaps, illustrating a decline in performance.

As Ingram enters the final year of his contract, the Vikings could be inclined to seek upgrades at the guard position, especially after assessing his regression from the previous year where he had a higher overall grade of 59.5. The combination of his performance issues and the increased financial burden may ultimately seal his fate in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Vikings will be without linebacker Pat Jones II for their crucial regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions due to a knee injury sustained against the Green Bay Packers. Despite some optimism from head coach Kevin O’Connell about Jones possibly returning, he did not practice all week, leaving rookie Dallas Turner to step up in his absence.

Turner, who has gained valuable experience over the season, is expected to play a significant role, having already made impactful plays in recent games. Additionally, linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill is questionable for the game due to illness, while cornerback Fabian Moreau is also uncertain after missing the last two games with a hip injury.

On the offensive side, running back Aaron Jones and guard Ed Ingram are set to play, crucial for a game that will determine the NFC North champion and the top seed in the NFC playoffs. The Lions also face their own injury challenges, with key players like David Montgomery and Emmanuel Moseley ruled out.

The matchup has been highlighted as a significant event, with players like quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Justin Jefferson discussing their pre-game routines and the excitement surrounding the game. The Vikings are adjusting their schedule to ensure players are prepared for the later kickoff.

Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings is in a close race for the NFL receiving title, currently trailing his former LSU teammate Ja'Marr Chase by 149 yards. Jefferson, with 1,170 yards, is determined to reclaim the crown he won in 2022.

As the Vikings prepare to face the Chicago Bears again, Jefferson reflects on their previous matchup where he was limited to just two catches. He anticipates a different strategy this time and is excited to play at home.

The Minnesota Vikings have updated their injury report ahead of their Week 14 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, adding right guard Dalton Risner due to a back issue.

Risner, who has struggled with back problems throughout the 2024 season, was limited in Thursday's practice after fully participating the day before. He has played every offensive snap in recent games but may be replaced by Ed Ingram if he cannot play.

Other players, including Jay Ward and Patrick Jones II, were also limited, while veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore did not participate at all, raising concerns about his availability.

The Minnesota Vikings have waived cornerback Akayleb Evans, marking another disappointment for their 2022 draft class. After starting 15 games last season, Evans has struggled to find his place this year, primarily serving on special teams due to the addition of veterans Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin.

This move comes as the Vikings activate tight end Nick Muse from injured reserve, necessitating a roster spot. Notably, other draft picks from 2022, including Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth, have also faced challenges this season.