Running back Jerick McKinnon this morning was no longer wearing a walking boot to support his injured left ankle. But when the Vikings took the field this afternoon for today's practice, McKinnon was not spotted.
Before practice, we asked McKinnon whether he thinks he will be healthy enough to play Monday night against the Bears. McKinnon said he is feeling better but deferred to his head coach about his game-day availability.
He smirked a little knowing that Mike Zimmer wouldn't say either.
If McKinnon does sit out, Ronnie Hillman, who made his Vikings debut in the loss to the Eagles, would likely see an increase in playing time.
"He's getting more and more comfortable with our offense," offensive coordinator Norv Turner said of Hillman, who signed with the team last month. "Now that he's active he's getting more reps. I think he has a good understanding of what we're doing. We know he's had success as a runner. I think he's getting to where he can contribute more."
Also sitting out practice today were safety Andrew Sendejo (ankle), wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (concussion), cornerback Marcus Sherels (wrist), guard Zac Kerin (hand) and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (knee).
