Banged-up Vikings defense down eight players in Monday's practice
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings have little time to get healthy this week.
Eight defensive players, including four starters, were held out of a helmet-less walkthrough Monday in the team's indoor facility. The Vikings play Thursday at Arizona, so the status of three standouts is in question.
Nose tackle Linval Joseph (foot), linebacker Anthony Barr (groin/hand) and safety Harrison Smith (hamstring/knee) were among those who did not practice. Safeties Andrew Sendejo (knee), Antone Exum Jr. (rib/shoulder) and Robert Blanton (knee) also were among the non-participants. Coach Mike Zimmer said it was too soon to determine their status.
Exum started in Sendejo's place Sunday against Seattle. Joseph was held out, and Barr and Smith each got hurt during the first quarter.
