Vikings’ Week 8 injury report: one out, one doubtful and one questionable

This week, the Vikings have the not-so-enviable task of trying to stop Ezekiel Elliott and the rest of the Cowboys offense.

Minnesota will try and do so without its best run-stopping nose tackle. Vikings DT Michael Pierce will be out for the Week 8 game against Dallas.

The team also announced that DE Patrick Jones II is doubtful for Sunday. WR Dede Westbrook is questionable for the matchup.

Pierce is the most-dire loss on the injury report. But Westbrook’s hypothetical absence affects the punt return unit.

Also, Minnesota traded DE Stephen Weatherly to the Broncos before the deadline. So Jones, a defensive end, would have been a useful player to have for Sunday night.

The Vikings, at 3-3, might be playing the Cowboys at a good time. Dallas QB Dak Prescott is dealing with a calf injury he suffered in Week 6. QB Cooper Rush will start if Prescott is unavailable to go in Week 8.