As we await T.J. Hockenson’s potential regular-season debut for the Minnesota Vikings this weekend, a recent report has shed light on another key player’s status ahead of Sunday’s important game against the Detroit Lions.

According to Andrew Krammer from the Minnesota Star Tribune, starting linebacker Blake Cashman is unlikely to play against the Lions due to a turf toe injury.

Additionally, Krammer noted that Cashman’s availability for the Vikings’ Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams is uncertain, especially since that game is scheduled for Thursday night, just four days after facing Detroit.

While this news about Cashman is disappointing, the rest of Minnesota’s defense is expected to be ready for Sunday’s game.

If Kamu Grugier-Hill is chosen to fill in for Cashman in the starting lineup, the team’s concerns should remain manageable.

Earlier this season, Grugier-Hill performed admirably when he stepped in as a starter for two games while linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. was sidelined with an ankle injury.

During those games, Grugier-Hill recorded five tackles, three pass breakups, and two interceptions.

Despite Grugier-Hill’s ability to step up, the Vikings will miss Cashman’s effectiveness as a run-stopper against the Lions.

Heading into Week 7, Cashman held the fourth-best run defense grade on the team, trailing only Pace, Josh Metellus, and Stephon Gilmore.

This absence comes at a challenging time, as the Vikings are set to face a Lions team that ranks eighth in the NFL for yards per rush attempt.

Minnesota’s defense will need to rise to the occasion to mitigate the impact of Cashman’s injury and prevent a strong performance from the Lions’ rushing attack.

The hope is that the remaining defensive players can compensate effectively in Cashman’s absence.