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Head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed on Friday that No. 1 linebacker Blake Cashman will miss a third straight game due to a turf toe ailment. He did not practice all week and is now officially out for Sunday’s game against the Colts.

Thus, Ivan Pace Jr. will return to the green dot program and play middle linebacker full-time for the Vikings. Given Pace’s unique mix of skills, it will be incumbent upon Brian Flores and the rest of the defense to replicate their success against the Lions and Rams in the absence of Cashman. Those two teams have better offenses than the Colts, which should assist them on paper. After suffering two consecutive defeats, the Vikings have had a whole week to get ready for this match.

Payman is “extremely close, but just not quite there,” according to Kevin O’Connell. I look forward to seeing him next week. Being cautious and ensuring he is completely healthy before he returns to action is their top priority.

In addition, rookie defensive tackle Taki Taimani (ankle), who has appeared in seven games and played 70 snaps defensively, will not be able to participate for Minnesota. This bodes well for fellow rookie Levi Drake Rodriguez, who has started every game this season on the bench.

Akayleb Evans, the backup cornerback, and Dalton Risner, the guard, are both in doubt. The only thing that will determine whether Risner is activated to the 53-man roster before or after this game is if he is fully healthy but still on injured reserve.

T.J. Hockenson’s removal from the injured report and impending season debut this week have the Vikings giddy with anticipation.

Bernhard Raimann, the starting left tackle for the Colts, has been declared out with a concussion, which is a noteworthy injury report. So, Sunday will mark the debut of rookie quarterback Matt Goncalves, who was drafted in the third round. Taking up Flores’ blitz-happy defense, Jonathan Greenard, and Andrew Van Ginkel at loud U.S. Bank Stadium is no easy feat. Despite having the league’s best offensive line, the Colts will be starting right guard Dalton Tucker and backup center Goncalves this week.