Vikings limbo dance to victory, Rhodes suffers 'mild' hamstring injury

The Minnesota Vikings are relishing the final hours of Victory Monday. As part of their 24-17 win over divisional rival Green Bay Packers, the players won’t be coming back to practice until Wednesday.

In a press conference Monday, Head Coach Mike Zimmer said cornerback Xavier Rhodes’ hamstring injury is not as severe as expected.

“Thankfully, it’s very, very mild,” said Zimmer. “As far as the TV doctors that were reporting were very erroneous.”

It’s good news for the Viking defense as they prepare to face the New England Patriots.

Sunday night had other bright spots going forward including running back Dalvin Cook, who got his first touchdown of the season. Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson also picked up two sacks.

“I think we always smell blood in the water honestly, we don’t go out there and think we’re not going to get the quarterback,” said Richardson. “That’s just the mindset we carry with us.”

Having a tough mindset, however, doesn’t mean the players can’t have a little fun. Following Cook’s 26-yard touchdown, the players hoisted up wide receiver Adam Thielen for an impromptu limbo line.

“That was just something that we talked about and wanted to have a little fun out there,” said wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

“I knew Diggs had to be the one to come from behind me because he’s more of the dancer,” said Cook.

Even offensive tackle Brian O’Neill joined in on the fun, following Diggs in the limbo line.

“That wasn’t planned right there,” Cook laughed.

“That was a spur of the moment thing, probably won’t do that again,” said O’Neill. “I’m usually not [a part of the touchdown celebrations], I just got excited and I saw them and I was like might as well.”

“I’m just so thankful for my team mates,” said Thielen. “The guys in this locker room, man, it’s just so fun to be a part of this team, part of this offense, being around the guys I’m around. People just don’t understand how important it is to have good team mates and good locker room and we’re blessed with that.”

A strong camaraderie has been key for the team all season. The Vikings currently sit second in the NFC North Division.

The Vikings (6-4-1) play the Patriots (8-3) on the road on Sunday at 3:25 p.m. CT.