Vikings regain guard Oli Udoh for Sunday but say nose tackle Michael Pierce is out

The Vikings got back a piece of their offensive line Saturday but declared they'll go without a big chunk of their defensive line.

Right guard Oli Udoh has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list. He'll be available to play Sunday night against the Packers.

Nose tackle Michael Pierce was downgraded to out after he was a surprise absence from Friday's practice due to an illness. He was originally listed questionable on Friday, but is out on Sunday night for the eighth time of the season.

Pierce will likely be replaced by nose tackle Armon Watts for a shorthanded Vikings defensive line that elevated three practice squad players for the game in ends Kenny Willekes and Eddie Yarbrough, and defensive tackle T.Y. McGill. The team also elevated safety Myles Dorn and cornerback Tye Smith, moving up five players via standard gameday elevations and COVID replacements.

Losing Pierce is a particularly big blow for a Vikings run defense that was already struggling, and now faces a strong Packers' running back tandem in frigid temperatures.

Udoh's quarantine ended after five days following a positive test on Monday. He needed to produce two negative tests before returning, however those tests can now happen the same day under updated NFL protocols. He'll make his 15th start on Sunday night.

Safety Harrison Smith was fined $12,875 for a penalty against the Rams last week, according to a league source. Smith was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after the Rams' punt return for a touchdown, a play in which Smith was not on the field.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins, linebacker Nick Vigil and defensive end Patrick Jones remained quarantined Saturday after being placed on the COVID list earlier this week. They enter Lambeau Field with a quarterback depth chart of Sean Mannion, Kellen Mond and Kyle Sloter, who rejoined the team this week as a practice arm.

Cornerback Cameron Dantzler, a midweek addition to the injury report with a calf issue, is listed doubtful after not practicing Thursday and Friday. Cornerback Kris Boyd could have a prominent role should Dantzler not play.

The Packers also returned players from the COVID list, including punter Corey Bojorquez, cornerback Kevin King and tight end Marcedes Lewis.