Minnesota believed the starting five could stick together and provide some continuity for a unit that has been battered by injuries in 2016.
The Vikings hope lasted just over one quarter in a 16-13 loss to the Lions on Thanksgiving Day in which Detroit won on a field goal as time expired.
“You lose a heartbreaker like that, and it hurts,” said left guard Alex Boone. “Believe me, it hurts. When you lose two offensive linemen, it really hurts.”
The Vikings began the game with the combination of left tackle T.J. Clemmings, Boone, center Joe Berger, right guard Brandon Fusco and right tackle Jeremiah Sirles.