Introduction: Another day, more Minnesota athletes sidelined by COVID. This time, it was two of the biggest names: Karl-Anthony Towns and Dalvin Cook. Towns joins six other Wolves teammates on the COVID list, a growing number that was too much for the Wolves to overcome in a 128-116 loss at Utah on Thursday.
4:00: Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling joins the show to break down the Cook news and his reporting that quarterback Kirk Cousins has a cracked rib that landed him on the injury report for the first time in eight years. While the injury to Cousins doesn't sound like it will keep him out of Sunday's game, it is fair to wonder if it will limit his effectiveness against a stout Rams defense. Even a fully healthy Cousins might have his hands full if the Vikings' slumping offensive line can't perform better in a crucial game against Aaron Donald and co.
19:00: Mark Craig joins for his weekly NFL picks segment with a slate of games that might be as good as any all year. There are huge playoff implications across the board. And don't forget to check out the Saturday games.