Expected to play Week 15

Coach Mike Zimmer said that he expects Waynes (concussion) to play against the Dolphins on Sunday, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Waynes sustained a concussion during Monday's 21-7 loss to the Seahawks, and he appears to be progressing well in his recovery. The starting cornerback will need to clear the league-mandated concussion protocol before retaking the field, but he appears to be trending towards suiting up against the Dolphins.

Ruled out for Monday

Waynes (concussion) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Seattle.

Analysis: It's a discouraging development after coach Mike Zimmer suggested Friday that Waynes would likely play. There's a chance Minnesota could be erring on the side of caution here. Regardless, Waynes' absence means the Vikings will lean on the likes of Holton Hill and Mackensie Alexander to get the job done opposite Xavier Rhodes.

Still not practicing

Waynes (concussion) did not practice Friday, Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Waynes sustained a concussion during last week's loss to the Patriots, and he's yet to return to practice. It remains to be seen whether the 26-year-old will clear the league-mandated concussion protocol in time for Monday's tilt against the Seahawks.

Trending upwards for Monday

Coach Mike Zimmer said he expects Waynes (concussion) to play Monday against the Seahawks, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis: Waynes suffered the concussion last Sunday against the Patriots and was unable to practice Thursday. The positive outlook is a good sign, but the 26-year-old still must clear the league's concussion protocol before being allowed to suit up against Seattle.

Won't return Sunday

Waynes (concussion) is ruled out for Sunday's game against the Patriots, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Waynes will not retake the field Week 13 and has entered the league-mandated concussion protocol. As long as the 2015 first-round pick remains sidelined, rookie Holton Hill will benefit from an increased workload.

Under evaluation

Waynes is undergoing tests for a possible concussion Sunday, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Waynes has already been forced to miss time due to a concussion this season, so this news is certainly concerning. The 2015 first-round pick will likely need to clear concussion protocol before re-entering the game. As long as he's out, rookie Holton Hill could see an increased snap count.

Grabs first interception in win

Waynes recorded three tackles and four passes defensed, including one interception, in Sunday's win over the Jets.

Analysis: Waynes' four passes defensed more than doubled his season total in the category, and his interception was his first of the year. His play is huge for the Vikings, who are down Mike Hughes (knee) for the season and may be without Xavier Rhodes (foot) in Week 8. Waynes will look to maintain his momentum against the Drew Brees-led Saints offense Sunday.

Clears protocol, expected to play

Waynes had made it through the league concussion protocol and expects to retake the field Sunday against the Cardinals, Courtney Cronin of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Waynes missed last Sunday's game after being knocked out of Week 4's contest with a concussion. Fortunately, it appears he's doing much better and is expected to slot in opposite Xavier Rhodes. Waynes owns 11 tackles (10 solo) through four appearances this season and will look to build on that mark Sunday.

Will not play Sunday

Waynes (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

Analysis: Waynes failed to practice all week while he remains in the league's concussion protocol, and it's unclear how much progress the cornerback has made. Mike Hughes will start at cornerback in Waynes' absence once again.

Ruled out with concussion

Waynes has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game with a concussion.

Analysis: With Waynes out, Mike Hughes will take over as the Vikings second cornerback with Mackensie Alexander also assuming a larger role in Minnesota's pass defense.

Being evaluated for concussion

Waynes is being evaluated for a concussion during Thursday's game against the Rams.

Analysis: Waynes will be replaced by rookie Mike Hughes as the Vikings No. 2 cornerback behind Xavier Rhodes. Waynes will need to pass the league's concussion protocol before reentering Thursday's game.

Full participant Tuesday

Waynes (ankle) fully participated in Tuesday's practice.

Analysis: Waynes seems on track to play Thursday after returning to practice as a full participant. The Vikings' cornerback injured his ankle in Sunday's game and underwent an MRI that ultimately revealed no structural damage. Minnesota will need Waynes if they want to slow down Jared Goff and the Rams' offense in any capacity on Thursday night.

Limited at Monday's session

Waynes (ankle) was a limited participant at Monday's practice.

Analysis: There is some optimism for Waynes' prospects of playing in Thursday's contest given the limited activity at practice. While it would be more reassuring had he been able to avoid any limitations, it's still a good sign to see Waynes moving around just one day after sustaining the ankle injury. Nothing seems set in stone, but Tuesday and Wednesday could bring about a better idea of where he stands.

Scheduled for MRI

Waynes (ankle) will have an MRI on his injured ankle Monday, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Waynes suffered the ankle injury during Sunday's 27-6 loss to Buffalo. The severity of the star cornerback's injury should be disclosed in the beginning of Week 4, but if Waynes were to miss a significant amount of time, it would be a large blow to the Viking's defense. Mike Hughes will serve as Minnesota's starting left cornerback until Waynes is able to return.

Suffers ankle injury

Waynes is doubtful to return to Sunday's game against the Bills due to an ankle injury.

Analysis: Waynes has been replaced by Mike Hughes, who will serve as Minnesota's starting left cornerback as long as Waynes remains sidelined. If Waynes is unable to return to the field, look for an update on the 26-year-old's health after the game.

Full participant in practice

Waynes (knee) participated fully in Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: Waynes suffered a knee injury in the Vikings' season-opening victory over the 49ers but appears fully recovered. The team's starting left cornerback seems likely to suit up against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Expected to practice this week

Waynes (knee) is expected to participate in practice this week, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Waynes was also spotted without a brace on his right knee, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. This is good news for the Vikings' starting left cornerback, but it remains to be seen whether Waynes will suit up against the Packers on Sunday.

Suffers knee injury

Waynes is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the 49ers due to a knee injury.

Analysis: Waynes has removed his helmet and is watching from the sidelines, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. As long as Waynes is sidelined, Mike Hughes and Marcus Sherels will replace him opposite Xavier Rhodes.

Minnesota exercised the fifth-year option in Waynes' contract.

Analysis: Waynes saw a lot of targets playing opposite 2017 first-team All-Pro Xavier Rhodes, as opposing offenses tend not to throw the latter's way. While Waynes largely struggled in coverage in his first two seasons in the league, the 2015 first-round pick turned a corner during the second half of the 2017 campaign. Still, he could face competition for his starting role at some point from 2018 first-round draft pick Mike Hughes.