It's hard enough beating the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in December, and the Minnesota Vikings may have to do it without one of their best defenders.
Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes officially is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury for Sunday's game against the Patriots. According to Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star-Tribune, though, Minnesota is preparing to play without him.
Former Los Angeles Chargers team doctor David Chao also isn't optimistic about Rhodes playing Sunday.
The two-time Pro Bowler, listed at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, matches up well against big, physical receivers. If he can't suit up or is limited, Patriots wideout Josh Gordon could find more room to operate in the passing game.
The Vikings also boast a stout run defense, so Tom Brady and Co. could look to move the ball through the air and potentially pick on Rhodes' replacement, Holton Hill, an undrafted rookie out of Texas.
New England Patriots
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Kick-off at Gillette Stadium on Sunday is set for 4:25 p.m. ET.
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