Minnesota, September 12, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings are grappling with key injuries ahead of their Sunday night clash. The Falcons aim for their first win while the Vikings seek to uphold their unbeaten streak. Both teams have crucial players ruled out and several listed as questionable, impacting their strategies. The upcoming game promises to be significant as these injuries unfold.
Minnesota
The Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings are facing significant injury challenges ahead of their matchup on Sunday night, set to kick off at 8:20 p.m. in Minnesota. Both teams are dealing with key player absences that could greatly impact their performance.
The Falcons have endured a rocky start to the season with injuries plaguing their offensive unit since the preseason. Starting offensive tackle Kaleb McGary and backup tackle Storm Norton were lost for the year before the regular season even began, forcing the team to make adjustments on the offensive line. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney managed to avoid an injury designation on Friday, indicating he is expected to play against the Vikings. However, fellow wide receiver Drake London remains listed as questionable due to a shoulder injury sustained in the previous game. Both London and Mooney participated fully in practice on Friday, a positive sign ahead of the game.
In his comments regarding London’s status, head coach Raheem Morris expressed cautious optimism that the wide receiver would be able to contribute on Sunday. This update comes as the Falcons aim to secure their first victory of the season to even their record at 1-1.
Conversely, the Vikings are facing more severe injury dilemmas, particularly on their defensive side. Starting linebacker Blake Cashman has been ruled out for several weeks, which poses a significant challenge as he recorded 112 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season, including a standout performance in a previous encounter against the Falcons. Another notable absence is linebacker Andrew van Ginkel, also ruled out for Sunday’s contest. Van Ginkel has been a key player for the Vikings, coming off a Pro Bowl season where he compiled 79 tackles and 11.5 sacks.
The Vikings will also be without former Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah, who is considered an important reserve in the team’s secondary. Furthermore, safety Harrison Smith is questionable due to an illness that has lingered for three weeks, casting further uncertainty on the Vikings’ defense. Adding to their challenges, starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw has been ruled out, necessitating a fill-in from Justin Skule.
The Falcons have also ruled out four reserve players: wide receivers Jamal Agnew and Casey Washington, safety Jordan Fuller, and offensive tackle Jack Nelson. Rookies Billy Bowman Jr. and James Pearce Jr. are both listed as questionable, creating an atmosphere of unpredictability as both franchises prepare for their matchup.
This upcoming game is pivotal for the Falcons, who look to gain momentum after a challenging start, while the Vikings aim to maintain their unbeaten status for the season. The clash between these two teams promises to be a significant event, especially in light of the injuries that both teams are navigating as they prepare for game day.
Injury Overview
- Atlanta Falcons
- Kaleb McGary – Out for the season
- Storm Norton – Out for the season
- Darnell Mooney – Expected to play
- Drake London – Questionable
- Jamal Agnew – Out
- Casey Washington – Out
- Jordan Fuller – Out
- Jack Nelson – Out
- Billy Bowman Jr. – Questionable
- James Pearce Jr. – Questionable
- Minnesota Vikings
- Blake Cashman – Out for several weeks
- Andrew van Ginkel – Out
- Jeff Okudah – Out
- Harrison Smith – Questionable
- Christian Darrisaw – Out
Game Details
Date: Sunday, Time: 8:20 p.m., Location: Minnesota.
FAQ Section
What injuries are the Atlanta Falcons currently facing?
The Falcons have lost starting offensive tackle Kaleb McGary and backup tackle Storm Norton for the season. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney is expected to play, while Drake London is questionable due to a shoulder injury. Four additional reserve players are also ruled out.
What are the key injury issues for the Minnesota Vikings?
The Vikings will be without linebacker Blake Cashman and Andrew van Ginkel for Sunday’s game. Additionally, cornerback Jeff Okudah is ruled out, while safety Harrison Smith is questionable due to illness, and left tackle Christian Darrisaw will also not play.
When and where is the game taking place?
The game between the Falcons and Vikings is scheduled for Sunday evening at 8:20 p.m. in Minnesota.
Key Features Chart
| Team | Injured Players | Key Status |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | Kaleb McGary, Storm Norton, Darnell Mooney, Drake London | Mooney Expected to Play, London Questionable |
| Minnesota Vikings | Blake Cashman, Andrew van Ginkel, Jeff Okudah, Harrison Smith, Christian Darrisaw | Cashman and van Ginkel Out, Smith Questionable |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Falcons Update Depth Chart Ahead of Vikings Clash
Atlanta Falcons Seek Kicker After Koo’s Missed Field Goal
Falcons Face Tough Start to Season with Injury Woes
Falcons Fall Short Against Buccaneers in Close Matchup
Atlanta Falcons Narrowly Lose Season Opener to Buccaneers
Atlanta Gladiators Sign Louis Boudon for Upcoming Season
Additional Resources
- Atlanta Falcons Injury Report
- Final Injury Report: Falcons at Vikings
- Falcons Face Wounded Vikings
- Vikings vs Falcons Injury Report
- Vikings Injury Update
- Wikipedia: National Football League
- Google Search: Atlanta Falcons
- Google Scholar: Minnesota Vikings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta Falcons
- Google News: NFL Injury Report
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
