It seems as if the Vikings could be without some important players when they play host to the Detroit Lions on Christmas Eve.

For the second straight day, the Vikings were shorthanded during practice at TCO Performance Center. The lengthy injury report on Thursday included the continued absence of right tackle Brian O’Neill (ankle), running back Alexander Mattison (ankle), receiver Jalen Nailor (concussion), defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (back) and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (knee).

Though it doesn’t necessarily means all of those players will miss the game on Christmas Eve, the fact that none of them are practicing isn’t a good sign for the Vikings.

Asked specifically about O’Neill and Mattison, who missed last week’s game against the Bengals in Cincinnati, head coach Kevin O’Connell said both players are getting treatment around the clock with hopes of being available as soon as possible.

Will that be in time for Sunday’s game against the Lions? That remains to be seen.

If neither O’Neill nor Mattison can go, right tackle David Quessenberry and running back Ty Chandler have proven to be viable options when called upon. Both players filled in admirably last weekend with Quessenberry putting together a solid performance up front while Chandler finished with 23 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown.

It’s a little muddier on the other side of the ball if Phillips and Murphy have to miss time. There isn’t a clear replacement for either player considering how much responsibility they take on within the defensive scheme. The next man up for Phillips would be fellow defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga. The next man up for Murphy would be rookie cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, with fellow cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. also getting some playing time.

The good news for the Vikings is linebacker Jordan Hicks (shin) has been a full participant in practice this week, and thus, there appears to be a chance he makes his return this weekend. Meanwhile, pass rusher Danielle Hunter (illness), defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard (ankle) and defensive tackle Sheldon Day (ankle) all were listed as limited participants on Thursday.

“We’re working through it in multiple spots,” O’Connell said. “We’re expecting to hopefully have a few guys available to us this weekend.”

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