Vikings Defense On Mend, But Still Harping on…

EAGAN, Minn. — It appears the Vikings will get some defensive reinforcements for Thursday night’s game against the Steelers.

Cornerback Patrick Peterson was activated off the Reserve/COVID-19 list and fully participated in practice Tuesday, meaning the veteran is in line to play after missing Sunday’s game against the Lions.

Linebackers Anthony Barr (knee/hamstring) and Eric Kendricks (biceps) also did not play against Detroit.

Barr made it clear about his game status on Tuesday.

“Yeah, I’ll be playing,” said Barr, who then expanded on the frustration of playing in just six games this season.

“It sucks, to put it simply,” Barr said. “I feel like I was playing pretty good up until I tweaked [my hamstring] against the 49ers.

“So, it’s one of those things where I have to figure out how to stay healthy and get back on the field,” Barr added.

Both Barr and Kendricks were full participants in Tuesday’s practice, lending confidence for the latter’s progress.

“He’s a playmaker, a baller,” Vikings safety Xavier Woods said of Kendricks. “I’m pretty sure he leads the team in tackles, so we know what his job is going to be, he’s going to do his job and we can rely on him. Hopefully we can do the same.