MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings are bracing for some "injury adversity," according to coach Kevin O'Connell, after four key players were unable to finish Sunday's 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee), receiver Jordan Addison (ankle), linebacker D.J. Wonnum (quadriceps) and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (shoulder) were all ruled out during Sunday's game.
Asked whether he believed the injuries to be significant, O'Connell said: "I do believe so. I can't confirm any of those, but with two weeks left to go [in the regular season] ... we've got some really tough guys. We've got some guys that are all trying to battle their way back in there, but I do believe so."
The Vikings managed only one touchdown after Hockenson and Addison departed. Addison suffered his injury while chasing down an interception return in the second quarter, while Hockenson's injury came after colliding with Lions safety Kerby Joseph after a 24-yard reception in the third quarter.
Hockenson entered the game leading the NFL in catches by tight ends (91), while ranking second in receiving yards by tight ends (901). Addison, meanwhile, was tied for first among all rookies with nine receiving touchdowns.
Wonnum ranks second on the Vikings with eight sacks.
The Vikings finished the game without either of their starting cornerbacks. Blackmon departed in the fourth quarter, while Akayleb Evans gave way to rookie Jaylin Williams. O'Connell indicated that Evans was not injured. Instead, O'Connell said: "I believe he was taken out of the football game."
