The Vikings excitement of having linebacker Eric Kendricks back for Week 10 was short-lived.
Kendricks and linebacker Anthony Barr were both shaken up on an early first-quarter play in which they collided with each other in an effort to intercept a Kirk Cousins pass in the red zone. Both left the field for the remainder of the series.
While Barr returned for the game’s entirety, Kendricks came back briefly only to head for the sideline again shortly thereafter because of a hip injury.
“Next man up” seems to be the Vikings unofficial mantra this season, and has turned into “next men up” for the Vikings defense, joining an offense that has suffered injuries throughout the season.