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4 Key Vikings Players vs. Colts
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- 4 Key Vikings Players vs. Colts
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The Minnesota Vikings return from their bye week with a 5-0 record, still top of the NFC North division and ready to take on the Indianapolis Colts at US Bank Stadium in Week 7.
4 Key Vikings Players vs. Colts
The Vikings have gotten healthy over the bye week with a host of key players on offense set to return from injury. Minnesota will be as close to full strength as they can get on offense and will be looking to show this team isn't all about the defense. While Brian Flores and his unit will be out to show they aren't going to let up on their reign of terror against opposing quarterbacks that has been so impressive so far this season. Against a Colts team currently in a tough spot, sitting at a 2-4 record, these are my key Vikings players for this week's game.
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Will Fries
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) reacts after scoring with guard Will Fries (76) against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Will Fries still has a lot to prove as he tries to prove his worth as he plays on a huge contract This week he will need to play a key role in keeping DeForest Buckner quiet. The Colts' interior defensive lineman is one of the league's best and a pass-rushing menace up the middle with 16 pressures and 4 sacks already this season.
If Fries can play a key role in keeping Buckner quiet then he will start to earn his money, but it won't be an easy task and Fries has been struggling in pass protection this season. He has been better with his run blocking but I still want him to be more dominant in that area, too.
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Jordan Mason
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) rushes the ball against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Returning from a spell on Injured Reserve with a thumb injury, Jordan Mason should give the Vikings' rushing attack a boost.
It was revealed this week that Aaron Jones has been playing with a sprained MCL since Week 2, which makes Jones' efforts this season even more remarkable. Mason's return is timely with several Vikings set to return on offense against the Colts.
In Week 1 against the Packers, Mason had 15 rushes for 59 yards and a touchdown. In his absence, there has been very little help for Jones as the Vikings try to establish their ground game. If Mason can slip back into a shared role with Jones it should be to the Vikings' benefit.
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Jalen Redmond
Sep 27, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive line Jalen Redmond (61) lines up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Pro Football Focus ' number-one-ranked defender against the run, Jalen Redmond needs to be front and center in the Vikings' efforts to slow star running back Jonathan Taylor.
It is perhaps unfair to say Taylor is all of the Colts' offense but he is certainly most of it, especially with Alec Pierce missing due to injury. It's hard to see how Indianapolis has success on offense in this game without Taylor having a big day. He is a threat on the ground and through the air; Redmond needs to be at his best to stop him on the ground.
Blake Cashman
Sep 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (obscured) celebrates with linebacker Blake Cashman (51) and quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) after sacking Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (not pictured) to end the game in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The other key man against the run is inside linebacker Blake Cashman . Always a key player for the Vikings as the chief communicator on the defense, his strong run defense will be important against Taylor.
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This season, Cashman is shining in another area with a career-high pass-rushing grade of 82.9 from Pro Football Focus . Through six weeks of the season that is the third-highest grade among linebackers across the league. His total of 12 pressures ranks second, with 2 sacks ranking fifth at the position. Cashman has been a force up the middle this season and the Vikings will need him to make it a miserable day for Taylor and Daniel Jones.
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