WARE, England — On the pastoral portion of the long drive from London to the Vikings’ team hotel in Ware, there was a sign. Not temporary. Quite affixed. It read: “Queues likely.”

That was a polite, British way of saying: “There will be traffic jams here frequently, and don’t expect us to do anything about it.”

When the Vikings fans were dreaming of J.J. McCarthy becoming the next Patrick Mahomes and the 2025 team storming to the Super Bowl, someone should have held up a sign. Not temporary. Quite affixed. It should have read: “Injuries likely.”

The Vikings are in England this week, minding the gap between optimistic expectations and painful reality, the latter being that injuries have reduced their margin for error as they prepare to play Cleveland on Sunday.

This means that a handful of less-celebrated players might have to make the difference if the Vikings are to head into their bye week with hope.

Josh Oliver, tight end

Oliver is a blocking tight end on a team with plenty of more dynamic skill position players. He played 21 snaps against the Pittsburgh Steelers. That wasn’t enough.

The Vikings’ depth of receiving talent matters only when the offensive line gives the quarterback time to survey the field. The offensive line, with three starters out because of injury, isn’t currently capable of affording that luxury to Carson Wentz.

This week, the Vikings will face Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. I think Oliver should play almost every offensive snap. The Vikings need him to become a de facto sixth offensive lineman.

Oliver said he has never played offensive line but that he would be willing to do so. “Whatever the team wants, I’ll be there and do it,” he said.

Zavier Scott, running back

Most of the Vikings’ injuries this season have exposed a lack of depth. When starting running back Aaron Jones was injured, two excellent alternatives replaced him.

Jordan Mason is an outstanding runner. Zavier Scott, against the Steelers, displayed outstanding receiving skills to go with his forceful running style.

The Vikings will need power running and quick passing to thwart the Browns’ pressure. There is nothing more useful to a quarterback under pressure than a back who can catch a pass in the flat, or on a screen, and produce first downs. Scott looks like he’s capable of excelling in that role.

Isaiah Rodgers, cornerback

He has played like a star the last two weeks, producing two touchdowns, two forced fumbles, an interception and a blocked field goal. He might be the fastest player on the roster, and his speed and skill are crucial right now because the rest of the Vikings secondary has been less than dynamic.

Rodgers and Josh Metellus are the only Vikings with interceptions this season. Rodgers was the only Viking who seemed to have a chance to catch the Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf in the open field on his 80-yard catch-and-run touchdown Sunday.

Safety Harrison Smith, who missed the first two games of the season with an ailment, was limited Sunday.

If someone in the Vikings secondary is going to make a big play, Rodgers is the most likely candidate. “He does a lot of things really well,” Smith said. “And he’s got a very nice demeanor on the field.”

Ivan Pace Jr., linebacker

This year, we’re seeing the Vikings defense become vulnerable to the run when linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel is out. Last year, the defense struggled to control the middle of the field when linebacker Blake Cashman was out.

Now they’re both out. Backup Eric Wilson has made a few plays, but Pace, in his third NFL season, is now the only veteran starting linebacker other than edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. The Vikings need much more from Pace until Cashman returns.

Myles Price, returner

Price, who made the team because of his strong returns in training camp and preseason games, has continued to look like a breakaway threat.

With the Vikings offense struggling and the defense hamstrung, Price could swing a close game with one or two returns.

C.J. Ham, fullback

Ham is like a mini Oliver who can play fullback. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell sounded excited about the possibility of Ham playing Sunday after a stint on injured reserve, and Ham could help with power running and pass protection.

____

©2025 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Visit at startribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.