Vikings could be without Linval Joseph for tough battle in trenches

The Minnesota Vikings are fielding one of the NFL's finest defensive units, thanks in large part to the efforts of Linval Joseph at nose tackle. The whopping 329-pounder has plugged up the middle and anchored the entire defense with his superhuman strength.

However, Joseph is dealing with a foot injury heading into Week 13 and may miss Minnesota's clash with the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, according to ESPN's Ben Goessling. The Vikings could call on Sharrif Floyd, normally a three technique, to play nose tackle until Joseph is healthy enough to make a return.

"He’s doing all right," Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer said of Floyd at nose tackle, according to ESPN. "It’s a different technique, really at the end of the day. Nose and three technique have different techniques."

This is a terrible week for Joseph to start hurting. The Seahawks are the NFL's second-leading team on the ground (behind Minnesota), with 1,586 rushing yards this season. Pro Bowl running back Marshawn Lynch won't be playing, but Thomas Rawls (average: 5.6 yards per carry) has the potential to do just as much damage.

Joseph is tied with safety Harrison Smith for the third most tackles on the team with 54.