Audie Cole Injury: Updates on Vikings LB's Ankle and Return

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Audie Cole suffered a fractured ankle during the team’s Week 9 game against the St. Louis Rams.

Cole suffered the injury when teammate Chad Greenway was pushed into him by Rams tackle Greg Robinson when blocking for running back Todd Gurley on an outside run. A timeline for his recovery has not yet been revealed.

Continue for updates.

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Cole's X-Rays Reveal Fracture

Sunday, Nov. 8

Head coach Mike Zimmer revealed the diagnosis to reporters following the team's win over the Rams.

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Cole's Injury Another Blow to Vikings' Defensive Depth

Prior to exiting, Cole had two solo tackles. He was starting in place of Eric Kendricks, who missed the game with a rib injury.

Cole has been largely relegated to special teams duties this season, but the Vikings were leaning on him, as their defensive unit continues to weather attrition—the team had eight defensive players on its latest injury report.

Along with Kendricks, defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and defensive end Justin Trattou were ruled inactive, while linebacker Anthony Barr played after being ruled questionable Saturday.

The run defense made strides during the Vikings' three-game win streak entering Sunday, before meeting its biggest challenge to date in Gurley, the breakout rookie. 

The Vikings surpassed the Green Bay Packers at the top of the NFC North on Sunday, but they will need a healthy defense to stay ahead of the four-time reigning division champs.