Andrew Sendejo

Joseph, Barr, Smith all ruled out for banged-up Vikings D

Published Dec. 9, 2015 3:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Vikings will be missing their three best defensive players when they take on the high-powered Arizona Cardinals offense on Thursday night.

Defensive tackle Linval Joseph, safety Harrison Smith and linebacker Anthony Barr have all been ruled out for the game. Joseph was inactive last week against Seattle as well because of a foot injury. Smith left the Seahawks game in the first quarter with an injured hamstring and Barr was out early as well after aggravating his injured groin.

The Seahawks capitalized in a 38-7 victory.

Safety Andrew Sendejo is out with an injured knee and safety Robert Blanton is questionable with a knee injury.

That means Anthony Harris, who was elevated from the practice squad this week, and newly signed Shaun Prater could see extensive playing time.