The Minnesota Vikings have largely managed to avoid significant injuries this season, and it appears that trend may continue with cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore left the Week 13 game against the Arizona Cardinals with a hamstring injury and did not return. However, head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed optimism that the injury wouldn’t be a long-term issue affecting upcoming games.
After Gilmore’s departure in the second quarter, backup corner Fabien Moreau stepped in. The Cardinals seemed to target Moreau frequently, resulting in two pass interference penalties and a 15-yard touchdown reception by rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., which gave the Cardinals a 19-6 lead in the third quarter.
Despite some success moving the ball, the Cardinals only managed one touchdown out of six red zone opportunities, with the Harrison touchdown being their sole score. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores had the Vikings’ defense playing well in the critical final moments of the game. With the Cardinals facing a potential game-winning drive, Minnesota’s defense held strong. Linebacker Jonathan Greenard recorded the Vikings’ only sack of quarterback Kyler Murray and forced a fumble, although Arizona recovered. On a desperate 4th-and-10 play from their own 30-yard line, Shaq Griffin sealed the win with an interception, securing the Vikings’ 23-22 victory.
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon was frustrated with his team’s performance in the final drive, saying, “We went backwards on the last drive. That was brutal.”
