The news that Christian Ponder won’t be in the lineup against the Steelers on Sunday was the biggest development in Vikings camp on Friday morning, but he won’t be the only player sidelined for the game because of injury.
Multiple reporters covering the Vikings in London report that cornerback Chris Cook and safety Jamarca Sanford have both been ruled out of this weekend’s contest. Cook has been battling a groin injury all week and hasn’t been able to practice, leading the team to shut him down until they return from their bye in Week Six at the earliest.
With Cook out of the game, the Vikings have to hope that A.J. Jefferson is able to play after being limited in practice this week by an ankle injury. The team has three other healthy corners on the roster, so bad news on the Jefferson front would lead them shorthanded against the Steelers passing attack.
Sanford left last week’s game with a hamstring injury and his absence will push Anthony Sendejo into the starting lineup. The Steelers offense has had a hard time getting going this season, but there should be opportunities to make plays on Sunday with the Vikings down two starters in the defensive backfield.