3 reasons the Carolina Panthers can beat the Vikings in Week 6

The Vikings have several key players banged up

The Carolina Panthers have already ruled out Christian McCaffrey and Shaq Thompson for Sunday’s game. However, they won’t be the only team dealing with an injury bug.

Minnesota had 10 players appear on Friday’s final injury report, including star wide receivers Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson, both of whom were limited participants but don’t carry a designation heading into Week 6.

Starting defensive lineman Michael Pierce has already been ruled out for the matchup, as has backup tight end Ben Ellefson. Linebacker Anthony Barr made his season debut last week against the Lions, but has dealt with chronic knee issues that limited him throughout practice this week.

Running backs Dalvin Cook and C.J. Ham also dealt with injuries of their own. But they were both full participants during the team’s Thursday and Friday practices.

Only Pierce and Ellefson received official injury designations, meaning that all the others should be able to suit up on Sunday, but that doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily be at full strength. Barr’s injury has been a nagging one, while fellow linebacker Nick Vigil was also banged up this week in practice.

Thielen and Jefferson sustained foot and ankle injuries respectively. Something that is never good for receivers.

Such injuries can impact their route-running and due to the nature of the position, can flare up during the game. That’s not to say that the duo won’t be fine, but it’s possible that their injuries could hinder their abilities during the game.

Cook should also return against the Panthers after missing last week’s win over Detroit, but his injury has been reaggravated this season, as he has dealt with a sprained ankle since the second game of the year.

Carolina has its own share of injuries, most notably to McCaffrey and Thompson. But if the Vikings aren’t at full strength – especially on offense – then it could give an extra advantage to an already impressive Panthers defense.