![\"Kevin](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/NFL-Cincinnati-Bengals-at-Minnesota-Vikings-27138626-e1758494811606.jpg\")
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCredit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
The key theme for the Minnesota Vikings through the first two weeks<\/a> of the regular season have been injuries. After games against both the Chicago Bears<\/a> and Atlanta Falcons<\/a>, they entered the following week walking wounded<\/a>.<\/p>\n On Sunday the Vikings got a handful of key starters back<\/a>, and it was clear to see how much of a difference they made. Beyond just that, it appears that Kevin O\u2019Connell\u2019s team will head across the pond<\/a> no worse for the wear.<\/p>\n Kevin O\u2019Connell reveals no new significant injuries<\/p>\n Minnesota coaches and personnel won\u2019t 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<\/a>. However, the head coach addressed a pair of players that exited during the game and both get good news.<\/p>\n Kevin O\u2019Connell said Javon Hargrave had a chest\/rib contusion, and could have come back if needed. <\/p>\n Christian Darrisaw could have continued, as well, but O\u2019Connell said the #Vikings<\/a> got exactly what they wanted from the left tackle\u2019s snap count.<\/p>\n \u2014 Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) September 21, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n Hargrave missed time in the second half after suffering the chest injury. Minnesota\u2019s front seven<\/a> continued to get a ridiculous push against the Bengals and sacked Browning three times<\/a>, adding a fourth against Brett Rypien. They didn\u2019t need the star defensive tackle and that gave him additional time to rest.<\/p>\n Christian Darrisaw, who was active on Sunday<\/a> 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\u2019t need to remain on the field for unnecessary reps to close out a laugher<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jeff Okudah headed to the medical tent.<\/p>\n \u2014 Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 21, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah, who suffered a concussion last week<\/a> against the Falcons, also spent time injured in this contest. He would return though, and finished the game.<\/p>\n Minnesota Vikings fly with health trending up<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, and they could have seen something catastrophic come their way despite the result.<\/p>\n It\u2019s still going to be the Carson Wentz show in Week 4, but he\u2019ll very likely have Ryan Kelly back and that gives Minnesota their full starting offensive line for the first time this season. Darrisaw\u2019s presence was notable this week, and Michael Jurgens left a bit to be desired as the starting center.<\/p>\n Related: Key Takeaways From the Minnesota Vikings\u2019 Week 3 Annihilation of the Bengals<\/a><\/p>\n With Kelly taking back over, Wentz will have the best opportunity to compete for as long as he\u2019s the starter. That\u2019s the scenario you want to see for McCarthy too.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n \u2014 Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) September 21, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n While McCarthy isn\u2019t expected to play next week, or in Week 5, he will travel overseas<\/a> with the team and continue his rehab. Next up for Minnesota is the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: Christian Darrisaw<\/a> Javon Hargrave<\/a> Jeff Okudah<\/a> <\/p>\n More About:Minnesota Vikings<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t