Vikings, Lions missing 2 defensive starters

The Vikings and Lions will both be missing two defensive starters because of injuries, and the addition of Jerome Simpson caused the Vikings to deactivate two receivers Sunday.

The addition of Jerome Simpson to the Minnesota Vikings’ lineup has caused them to deactivate two receivers for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.

Jarius Wright, one of the team’s three fourth-round draft choices in April, will be inactive for the fourth straight game and hasn’t been active yet. Joining him Sunday will be Stephen Burton, the second-year receiver who has been known more for his blocking than receiving to this point.

Also inactive for the Vikings are two defensive starters: LB Erin Henderson (concussion) and S Mistral Raymond (ankle). Henderson has missed the previous two weeks of practice and will miss his second straight game because of the concussion suffered Sept. 16 at Indianapolis. Marvin Mitchell will continue to start in his place with Jasper Brinkley taking the snaps in the nickel defense. Jamarca Sanford will make his first start of the season for Raymond.

Finishing out the Vikings’ inactives are QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, S Andrew Sendejo and OL Mark Asper.

The Lions will also be without a few starters. Defensively they are missing tackle Corey Williams, who had arthroscopic surgery this week after garnering two sacks in the first three games, and S Louis Delmas.

Interestingly, the Lions promoted S Ricardo Silva from the practice squad to start in place of Delmas. Former first-round pick Nick Fairley will start for Williams.

Also inactive for the Lions are QB Kellen Moore, S Amari Spievey, LB Travis Lewis, OT Jason Fox and OT Corey Hillard.

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Tim Yotter is the publisher of Viking Update. Follow Viking Update on Twitter and discuss this topic on our message boards. To become a subscriber to the Viking Update web site or magazine, click here.

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