BB.Riley Gaines Wins $50 Million From NCAA, Steals All of Lia Thomas’ Medals — Lia’s In-Court Reaction STUNNS THE WORLD!
The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for a high-stakes Week 7 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles, but the lead-up to this pivotal game has been anything but smooth. Coming off their bye week, the Vikings have been wrestling with uncertainty at key positions, leaving fans and analysts on edge. On Friday, the team dropped two major updates that have sent ripples through the locker room and beyond, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
The biggest question mark heading into the week was who would take the helm at quarterback. Rookie sensation J.J. McCarthy, still sidelined by a nagging ankle injury, has been ruled out, paving the way for veteran Carson Wentz to take the reins. For Wentz, this isn’t just another start—it’s a chance to face his former team, the Eagles, and prove he’s still got the fire that once made him a star. With McCarthy’s recovery timeline uncertain, all eyes will be on Wentz to deliver under pressure against a formidable Philly defense.
If the quarterback situation wasn’t enough to keep Vikings fans up at night, Friday’s injury report delivered another gut punch: star linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel has been officially ruled out for the game due to a lingering neck injury sustained in Week 3. The news is a bitter pill for a team that was banking on its defensive anchor returning after missing Weeks 4 and 5 in Europe and resting during the Week 6 bye.
Van Ginkel, who inked a one-year, $23 million extension with Minnesota before the 2025 season, has been a force when healthy. After a breakout 2024 campaign with the Vikings—where he racked up 79 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two pick-sixes, six pass deflections, and a forced fumble, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro Second Team honors—the linebacker was expected to be a cornerstone of the defense. This season, despite playing only two games due to injuries, he’s already notched seven tackles, two sacks, and two pass deflections. His absence leaves a gaping hole in Minnesota’s defensive front.
Discover more
Premier League
Vikings tickets
Celebrity
Find NFL memorabilia for sale
Online TV streaming services
NFC merchandise
Find sports betting odds
Purchase football fan gear
NFL apparel
NFL merchandise
Van Ginkel’s knack for game-changing plays—whether it’s chasing down quarterbacks or snagging interceptions—makes him one of the NFL’s most disruptive defenders. His absence against an explosive Eagles offense, led by a dynamic Jalen Hurts, is a major concern. However, the Vikings’ defensive depth has been a saving grace this season, and they’ll need every ounce of it to contain Philadelphia’s high-powered attack.
NFL apparel
Stepping into the spotlight will be second-year linebacker Dallas Turner, who’s poised to fill Van Ginkel’s shoes. Turner has shown flashes of brilliance, matching his entire 2024 rookie season tackle total (20) in just five games this year. But facing an Eagles squad that thrives on versatility and speed will be his toughest challenge yet. The Vikings will need Turner to channel his inner Van Ginkel and bring relentless pressure if they hope to keep Philly’s offense in check.
While the Vikings have managed to stay competitive without Van Ginkel, his absence underscores the delicate balance of managing star players’ health early in the season. Minnesota’s coaching staff is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing his long-term recovery over a premature return. With a deep roster and young talent like Turner stepping up, the Vikings are banking on their resilience to weather this storm.
As kickoff approaches, the Vikings face a defining moment. Can Carson Wentz rise to the occasion against his old team? Will Dallas Turner and the defense hold the line without their star linebacker? One thing’s for sure: this Eagles showdown will be a true gut check for Minnesota. Tune in at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday to see if the Vikings can pull off the upset and keep their season on track.
