Vikings place Jalen Nailor on injured reserve, sign Lucky Jackson, and elevate two corners for week 18.
The Vikings placed wide Jalen Nailor on injured reserve on Saturday and added receiver Lucky Jackson to the 53-man roster ahead of their regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions in week 18.
Jackson has been promoted from the practice squad each of the last two weeks, playing two offensive snaps and 20 special teams snaps.
Throughout his second NFL season, Nailor has had numerous injuries. The final one turned out to be a concussion he got in Las Vegas on December 3.
Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings’ head coach, ruled Nailor out on Friday, saying he still had “very, very limited symptoms.”
“Our obligation is to ensure they have received complete medical clearance, which has not yet occurred. I believe Jalen will be able to have a complete offseason, and I believe he’s a player we’ll continue to invest in and who has a very bright future,” O’Connell stated. “It’s been a rough year for him in terms of injuries, starting with the first day of training camp. But all we ask is that Jalen control what he can, which is to keep moving forward and working. And getting him back out there will be terrific for the Minnesota Vikings.”
The Vikings also promoted cornerbacks Joejuan Williams and Jaylin Williams from their practice squad, a day after ruling out Byron Murphy, Jr. and Mekhi Blackmon.
Joejuan Williams spent training camp with the Vikings before being signed by the Bears from Minnesota’s practice squad. He appeared in four games for Chicago in October before being released. The Vikings returned him to their practice squad and promoted him for their Week 11 game against Denver, where he recorded a tackle and a pass breakup in the end zone.
The veteran made 17 defensive snaps and 14 special teams snaps for the Vikings against the Broncos.
Jaylin Williams is an undrafted rookie who has been promoted from Minnesota’s practice squad during the last two games and made his NFL debut against the Lions in Week 16. He’s made 13 defensive snaps and 17 special teams appearances.
Minnesota (7-9) needs to **win and help** in a number of other games to enter the playoffs. Detroit (11-5) has already clinched the NFC North and is presently the No. 3 seed, with a chance to move up to No. 2 if other games go their way. Click **here** to view the Week 18 NFC Playoff Picture.
The kickoff is set for noon (CT) on Sunday.