The interior of the Vikings offensive line will change again Sunday against the Rams as Mason Cole, who started the past seven games at center and right guard, was placed on injured reserve Friday.
Cole didn't practice this week after suffering a hyperextended elbow while playing 64 snaps against the Bears on Monday night in Chicago. Coach Mike Zimmer called it a "three-week injury," indicating Cole could return if the Vikings make the playoffs.
Oli Udoh could replace Cole at right guard against the Rams, but Zimmer didn't tip the team's plans when asked Friday. Coaches are waiting to see whether they will have wide receiver Adam Thielen (ankle) or fullback C.J. Ham (hamstring). Both are listed as questionable after limited practices on Friday.
"Probably ready to see some Udoh [on Sunday]," offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak said Thursday. "Oli's been great for us this year. I can't tell you how important he's been to us, him being able to move around and play a lot of spots. He just keeps getting better every week."
Running back Dalvin Cook has already been ruled out after testing positive for COVID-19 this week.
Udoh started 11 games at right guard before moving to left tackle as an injury replacement. When rookie tackle Christian Darrisaw returned last week from an ankle injury, coaches kept Cole at guard over Udoh. Guard Dakota Dozier, promoted from the practice squad this week, is also an option.
Cole, 25, was acquired via trade from the Cardinals last offseason while entering the final year of his rookie contract. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March.
The Rams will have every starter available, a week after having as many as 29 players isolated on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Los Angeles' last isolated starter, tight end Tyler Higbee, was cleared to return on Friday.
