J.J. McCarthy's return against the Lions looks troubling with the run game losing a crucial contributor in Josh Oliver.

No one expects the Vikings to steal a win on Sunday at Ford Field. Here's what they'll have to do to pull it off.

ESPN's Seth Walder discussed players each team could target ahead of next week's trade deadline. For the Vikings, it was a name that refuses to leave the tongues of analysts and fans alike: Kirk Cousins. He mentions Cousins as someone who just makes too much sense to ignore his potential return to Minnesota as the deadline looms.

Carson Wentz made it clear the Vikings didn't force or pressure him to play through a shoulder injury that ultimately proved season-ending.

The Minnesota Vikings were all-in on developing quarterback J.J. McCarthy this season, after his rookie year was lost to injury, with the belief they could insulate him from some of the natural struggles of inexperience by surrounding him with a stacked veteran team and a savvy coaching staff.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Minnesota Vikings' Wednesday practice report: Andrew Van Ginkel is back

Over the last few weeks, the Minnesota Vikings' defense has been struggling. Whether it's due to injuries, poor scheme against some talented quarterbacks, or just players not making plays, there have been multiple issues across the board.