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MN Vikings Emerge from Bengals Win Healthy?
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- MN Vikings Emerge from Bengals Win Healthy?
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
The key theme for the Minnesota Vikings through the first two weeks of the regular season have been injuries. After games against both the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons , they entered the following week walking wounded .
On Sunday the Vikings got a handful of key starters back , and it was clear to see how much of a difference they made. Beyond just that, it appears that Kevin O'Connell's team will head across the pond no worse for the wear.
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Kevin O'Connell reveals no new significant injuries
Minnesota coaches and personnel won't be able to exhale until the Vikings return to the building on Monday. It was then, last week, that J.J. McCarthy was revealed to have suffered an ankle injury . However, the head coach addressed a pair of players that exited during the game and both get good news.
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Kevin O'Connell said Javon Hargrave had a chest/rib contusion, and could have come back if needed.
Christian Darrisaw could have continued, as well, but O'Connell said the #Vikings got exactly what they wanted from the left tackle's snap count.— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) September 21, 2025
Hargrave missed time in the second half after suffering the chest injury. Minnesota's front seven continued to get a ridiculous push against the Bengals and sacked Browning three times , adding a fourth against Brett Rypien . They didn't need the star defensive tackle and that gave him additional time to rest.
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Christian Darrisaw, who was active on Sunday for the first time this season, also missed some time in the middle of the contest. Blake Brandel was at left tackle out of the half, and Darrisaw was on the bike. He would return later, but didn't need to remain on the field for unnecessary reps to close out a laugher .
Jeff Okudah headed to the medical tent.
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 21, 2025
Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah, who suffered a concussion last week against the Falcons, also spent time injured in this contest. He would return though, and finished the game.
Minnesota Vikings fly with health trending up
The Minnesota Vikings emerging from a win with a clean bill of health is as positive as the result itself. The Vikings had things in hand early against the Bengals , and they could have seen something catastrophic come their way despite the result.
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It's still going to be the Carson Wentz show in Week 4, but he'll very likely have Ryan Kelly back and that gives Minnesota their full starting offensive line for the first time this season. Darrisaw's presence was notable this week, and Michael Jurgens left a bit to be desired as the starting center.
Related: Key Takeaways From the Minnesota Vikings' Week 3 Annihilation of the Bengals
With Kelly taking back over, Wentz will have the best opportunity to compete for as long as he's the starter. That's the scenario you want to see for McCarthy too.
Kevin O'Connell said that Carson Wentz will get a second start in Week 4 vs. Steelers in Dublin. That fits the 2-4 week timetable @AdamSchefter has reported. On J.J. McCarthy, O'Connell said in part, "We're going to do right by him" and not bring him back until he's healthy.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 21, 2025
While McCarthy isn't expected to play next week, or in Week 5, he will travel overseas with the team and continue his rehab. Next up for Minnesota is the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland.
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