The Minnesota Vikings are only playing for pride now, having been an eliminated from NFL Playoff contention a few weeks back, but the team can still play the role of spoiler for the rest of the season. That isn't what the Detroit Lions are hoping for in this weekend's game, of course, but the Vikings injury report indicated it might be difficult as both Adrian Peterson and Christian Ponder missed Wednesday's practice due to injury.
Peterson has missed the Vikings last couple of games due to a high ankle sprain. The All-Pro running back has indicated he might be able to play this weekend, but it's likely Minnesota will make sure he doesn't suffer any long-term injuries at this juncture of this season.
The other big injury news on Wednesday was Ponder, the rookie quarterback, missing due to a hip pointer. The team has indicated it isn't expected to cause him to miss playing time, but an injury to the opposite team's starting quarterback is always something to keep an eye on as the week progresses.
Steve Hutchinson and Brian Robison also missed Wednesday's practice while Asher Allen, Chad Greenway, Everson Griffen and Visanthe Shiancoe were all limited. E.J. Henderson and Anthony Herrera were both listed as well, but they were able to practice in full.