Vikings LB Eric Kendricks seen practicing today

Minnesota’s retooled defense did not look as stout as some would think against Cincinnati. Some of that can be blamed on the unit not being fully healthy.

For instance, Vikings LB Anthony Barr, a key player on the defense who’s seen as a field general, was ruled out for the game. Barr has not been participating in practice so far this week.

To make matters worse, Eric Kendricks also received a “DNP” designation for practice Thursday. Good news, though: Kendricks was seen participating in practice on Friday, according to Vikings team reporter Eric Smith.

On a side note: Barr, Everson Griffen and Harrison Hand are not participating, and not practicing on Friday makes their ability to play on Sunday pretty unlikely.

There’s no telling whether Kendricks is limited or a full participant for this practice, but the Friday injury report comes out later today. There’s a chance that Kendricks won’t be completely ruled out for the Week 2 game against the Cardinals now.