Blanton, who saw action on 47 percent of the defensive snaps last week, could see even more playing time Sunday with Aaron Williams ruled out due to a neck injury.

EDGE Analysis

The Bills also are saying they're going to mix and match the usual Williams assignments, so don't assume Blanton is going to be on the field 100 percent of the time, either. He's worth watching from an IDP standpoint if Williams' injury keeps him out long term, while Corey Graham remains the safety to own in this defensive backfield.

Blanton posted a season-high seven tackles during Sunday's loss to the Dolphins while seeing action on 47 percent of the defensive snaps.

EDGE Analysis

Blanton posted three of those tackles on special teams -- the only phase of the game where the team performed well Sunday -- but saw the field with regularity on defense once Aaron Williams left after taking a penalized hit from Javon Landry. Williams suffered a head/neck injury, a scary scene made even worse in that he's been plagued by these throughout his career; if he misses any time, either Blanton or Duke Williams would likely be tasked to take on starting duties. Blanton's a strong tackler, so this is at least worth keeping an eye on.

Blanton signed with the Bills on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Blanton joins the Bills after playing in all 16 games for the Vikings last season, when he compiled 34 tackles. However, that came after Blanton posted 106 tackles in 2014, so although he'll likely begin as a second-stringer in Buffalo, the veteran safety will aim for a bounce back season with his new team.

Blanton (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Bears, Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Vikings are still missing Harrison Smith (hamstring) for Sunday's game, but with Andrew Sendejo (knee) returning to action, it looks like any avenue to the starting lineup will close for Blanton, who saw just six snaps a week earlier. Sendejo and Anthony Harris look to be in line to serve as the starting safety tandem.

Blanton (knee) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Bears.

EDGE Analysis

Listed as questionable for last Thursday's game against the Cardinals, Blanton ended up playing in the contest, but his omission from the starting lineup strongly suggested that his knee was still a concern. He has clearly made progress since that time, and with Harrison Smith (knee/hamstring) ruled out for another week, Blanton and Andrew Sendejo will likely be the starting safeties. However, there is some chance that undrafted rookie Anthony Harris will be involved, following his eight-tackle showing in Week 14.

Blanton (knee) is not listed as a starter for Thursday's game against the Cardinals, Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Vikings will move starting cornerback Terence Newman to safety, alongside recently-signed Anthony Harris. Although Blanton is active for Thursday's game, this decision strongly indicates that his knee is a major concern. He thus makes for a poor IDP option, with both Newman and Harris offering more temporary promise. First-round rookie Trae Waynes will take Newman's spot at cornerback.

Blanton (knee) is active for Thursday's game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

With Harrison Smith (knee/hamstring) and Andrew Sendejo (knee) both ruled out ahead of time, Blanton figures to play nearly all of the defensive snaps, assuming he's healthy enough to do so. According to ESPN's Ben Goessling, Anthony Harris will get the starting nod over Shuan Prater at the other safety spot. Given that Harris and Prater were just signed this week, Blanton is easily the best IDP option of the bunch.

Blanton (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's outing at Arizona, Travis Langer of the Vikings' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Vikings' safety ranks have been ravaged in recent weeks, culminating in three members -- Harrison Smith (knee/hamstring), Andrew Sendejo (knee), and Antone Exum (IR, shoulder/rib) -- taking a seat in Week 14, and in Exum's case, for the rest of the season. If Blanton joins them in street clothes, the team will have just a pair of healthy bodies (Shaun Prater and Anthony Harris) to cover safety Thursday.

Blanton (knee) didn't partake in practice Monday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

If the Vikings exercise caution with nominal free safety Harrison Smith (knee/hamstring) on Thursday in Arizona, Blanton would be the prime beneficiary, as evidenced by 18 tackles (15 solo) over the last two contests. However, Blanton emerged from Sunday's loss to the Seahawks with a knee injury, which could continue to hinder his practice reps on a short week of preparation.

Blanton had nine total tackles in Sunday's loss to Seattle. He played 56 of the 67 defensive snaps, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports

EDGE Analysis

Blanton got extensive playing time with both starting safeties hurt. Andrew Sendejo was already out with a knee injury and Harrison Smith left with a sore hamstring early in the game. Blanton could be in line to start Thursday against Arizona as a result.