MINNEAPOLIS — Halloween is approaching, and if you’re a Minnesota Vikings fan, the 2024 NFL season suddenly looks a little scary. Not only does the NFC North team end a two-game losing streak on Sunday, but the purple jerseys will do so without tackle Christian Darrisow. season-ending knee injury opposite Los Angeles Rams.

As we eagerly await Sunday night’s Week 9 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, here’s the latest news from CBS Sports writer and Vikings insider Cody Benjamin.

news pieces

Vikings wasted no time Addressing Darrisow’s lossbuying on tuesday Jacksonville Jaguars sign tackle Cam Robinson in a last-round draft pick swap. Robinson was recently benched as Trevor Lawrence’s blindside blocker and has missed extended periods of time over the years due to both injury and suspension, but is arguably the most accomplished bench player available. The 29-year-old brings with him 91 games of starting experience and allows the Vikings to have multiple offensive line combinations to keep quarterback Sam Darnold upright. He’s likely to see the photos right away.

Insider information

The Vikings aren’t making this public, but it’s safe to assume that not every Minnesota employee is thrilled with the Colts’ situation. Backing up Anthony Richardson In favor of Joe Flacco in his Sunday night game. Neither quarterback is impressive, so the difference may ultimately be marginal, but Flacco has been much more consistent as a passer this year. And Brian Flores’ Vikings defense has fallen victim to the big guns lately.

Stars tight end TJ Hockenson is finally set to make his season debut on Sunday, nearly 10 months after suffering an ACL tear late in 2023. Don’t count on a high volume of workload coming out the door. Not only do the Vikings want him to be healthy for a playoff push, but there’s little reason why they can’t continue to feed Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the perimeter and maintain Aaron Jones’ central role in the offense.

big picture

It may not be time to bust the panic button, but there’s no denying that the Vikings are suddenly under legitimate pressure to stop their losing thanks to the power of the NFC North. The weak AFC South could be a quick fix; Minnesota will play three games against the Colts, Jaguars and Tennessee Titans, respectively. Still, Flores’ defense no longer looks like the stifling unit it was for much of September, and Darnold will likely be tasked with quicker decisions behind a mixed front.

around north

The Detroit Lions (6-1) travel to Green Bay to face the Packers (5-2) in another must-see NFC North duel. Jordan Love is once again competing for the Pack, which means Malik Willis could be responsible for leading the green-and-yellow. Either way, the Lions could be the conference’s team looking to win their fifth straight game with at least 30 points. Chicago Bears (4-3) aim to recover from the last second Loss caused by Hail Mary To the Washington Commanders, facing the Arizona Cardinals on the road.