National Football League

Vikings down top three defenders before end of 1st quarter vs. Seattle

Published Dec. 6, 2015 1:56 p.m. ET

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Injuries are hitting the Minnesota Vikings hard on defense.

Nose tackle Linval Joseph (foot) was declared out well before Minnesota's kickoff with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, leaving the Vikings without their defensive anchor. Linebacker Anthony Barr and safety Harrison Smith were both "questionable" heading into Week 13.

Before the end of the first quarter, the Vikings were without all three defensive playmakers. Barr went to the sideline with a groin injury; Smith suffered an injury to his hamstring. Both were originally deemed "questionable" to return, according to Vikings PR on Twitter.

Without Joseph, Barr and Smith, the Vikings are short three of their best defenders. That's bad news for a team that has built a foundation on a dominant defense and a ball-control offense.

Minnesota may need to find a new way to win, if injuries continue to ravage the roster.

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