NFL Game of the Week: Vikings vs Dolphins
The 3-2 Miami Dolphins head to Minnesota this week for a matchup with the 4-1 Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Dolphins are coming off a 40-17 loss to the New York Jets last week. As they begin to prepare for their game this week, they face a lot of uncertainty on the injury front.
After the loss last week, star wide receiver Tyreek Hill was spotted with a walking boot on his left foot and is questionable to suit up on Sunday.
Although not officially listed on the injury report this week, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is dealing with a groin injury. The injury caused him to be questionable for last week’s matchup, but he ended up playing. However, the injury seemed to affect his production on the field, as Waddle finished with only three catches on three targets for 23 yards.
The Dolphins will also be without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the second straight week due to a concussion. While filling in for Tagovailoa, second string quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was forced out of last week’s game with a concussion of his own. The Dolphins announced that even if Bridgewater passes the NFL’s concussion protocol, rookie Skylar Thompson will start at quarterback and Bridgewater will be the backup.
Other notable Dolphins who are questionable heading into Week 6 are offensive lineman Terron Armstead (toe), running back Raheem Mostert (knee) and cornerbacks Xavien Howard (groin) and Byron Jones (ankle).
The Vikings are coming off a victory after defeating the Chicago Bears 29-22 last Sunday. Quarterback Kirk Cousins started the game off hot, as he completed his first 17 pass attempts of the game. He finished with 32 completions on 41 attempts for 296 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
The other top playmakers on the Vikings offense also shined. Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught 12 passes on 13 targets for 154 yards, and running back Dalvin Cook rushed 18 times for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Cook also added 27 yards through the air on two catches.
The Vikings have some injury issues of their own as well. Defensive end Everson Griffen and outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith are both dealing with knee injuries. Both are key components to the Viking’s pass rush and are questionable to take the field against the Dolphins.
For the Dolphins to come out of this matchup victorious, Hill will have to suit up and put his potential to make big plays with his speed and route running on display. Waddle will also have to be more productive than he was last week and make some splash plays of his own.
Along with the Dolphins’ top receivers suiting up and playing well, Thompson must play better than he did in his first NFL action last week. It is also necessary that Howard plays, as the Dolphins need him to cover arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL in Jefferson.
If the Vikings end up with the victory Sunday, it will be because their offense was rolling once again. Cousins will need to have a clean and efficient game like last week, and Jefferson will have to find ways to beat Howard in coverage if he plays. Cook also needs to provide a solid performance on the ground, as the Vikings’ offense performs much better when they balance their running and passing attack.
Overall, this should be a good back and forth game if the Dolphins’ playmakers are healthy enough to play. The Dolphins look to get back in the win column after two straight losses, and the Vikings look to maintain their two game lead over their division rival, the Green Bay Packers.
Jonathan Hartley is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jdh6293@psu.edu.
