The Minnesota Vikings defense will have a key defender back in the lineup as they face off with the Seattle Seahawks and attempt to keep the winning streak alive.
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Cornerback Stephon Gilmore is off the injury report and is now set to make his return to the starting lineup after recovering from a hamstring injury. He has missed the last two games as the Vikings defeated the Bears and Falcons.
According to the Friday injury report, the only two players who have been ruled out for the Seahawks game are defensive tackle Jalen Redmond (concussion) and cornerback Fabian Moreau (hip). Fullback CJ Ham (ankle) and safety Harrison Smith (foot) are both questionable.
Gilmore signed with the Vikings ahead of the 2024 season and immediately became a starter. He suited up for the first 12 games and posted seven passes defensed and one interception. He added 47 total tackles, including one for a loss.
According to Pro Football Focus, the two-time All-Pro has continued to make an impact. He only has a coverage grade of 62.7 but a run defense grade of 82.4.
Gilmore will now return as the Vikings head to the Pacific Northwest in search of their first win in Seattle since 2006 when Chester Taylor broke off a 95-yard touchdown run. The Vikings have gone 0-5 in Seattle since.
Limiting the passing attack will be crucial as Gilmore faces off with a standout group of receivers. This includes DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Gilmore will see more of Lockett and Metcalf considering that Smith-Njigba does most of his work out of the slot. This is the area Byron Murphy Jr. covers.
If the Vikings' defense can limit this trio of receivers and secure the win, it will move one step closer to an important goal. The Vikings still have an opportunity to win the NFC North and secure the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, thus securing home-field advantage.
All they have to do is beat the Seahawks, Packers, and Lions. This will not be an easy task, but getting a healthy Gilmore back in the lineup will only help.
