It’s no secret that the Vikings have missed linebacker Blake Cashman over the past couple of weeks.

To say the defense has struggled in his absence would be an understatement.

When will Cashman be back out there? That remains to be seen.

The fact that Cashman missed practice on Wednesday afternoon at TCO Performance Center doesn’t seem to be a good sign.

He has been battling a toe injury for the past few weeks, and while he has continued to attack the recovery process, it’s unclear if he will be able to return when the Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Asked for an update on Cashman, head coach Kevin O’Connell made it sound like he has a chance to participate in practice at some point this week. Typically, the Vikings like players to be full participants in practice before they clear them to return.

“He has done everything we have asked him to do,” O’Connell said. “I am really hopeful we will have him.”

Robinson’s addition

The fact the Vikings acquired left tackle Cam Robinson this week prompted praise from O’Connell. He credited general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the rest of the front office for making it happenr so Robinson still has a chance to play when the Vikings host the Colts.

The expectation is that Robinson will practice Thursday. That will go a long way in determining whether he’s ready to play.

“We will see how Cam does when he gets in,” O’Connell said. “I’d like to get him in the mix there.”

As he works to get himself acclimated to the Vikings, it helps that Robinson has logged 91 starts in his career.

“That guy has played a lot of football,” O’Connell said. “We will see where he is at.”

Risner’s return

The patience of right guard Dalton Risner has been tested over the past few months as he has navigated a back injury.

Now he appears to be on the verge of making his return.

“He’s ready to roll,” O’Connell said. “I think we’re going to see Dalton in a uniform sooner rather than later.”

It will be interesting to see whether Risner gets the nod over maligned right guard Ed Ingram. The continued struggles of Ingram in the trenches have been a storyline since the Vikings drafted him.

That could pave the way for Risner to crack the starting lineup.

Briefly

Left tackle David Quessenberry (knee) and defensive tackle Taki Taimani (ankle) were listed as limited participants on the injury report.