Waynes left Thursday's game against the Bills with a shoulder injury.

EDGE Analysis

The third-year cornerback is expected to make the jump to a starting role this season. Waynes has logged 80 tackles, 15 pass breakups and three interceptions in his first two seasons on a stellar Vikings' defense. Minnesota will exercise caution with its 2015 first-round pick.

Waynes is the leading candidate to start opposite Xavier Rhodes at cornerback with Terrance Newman moving to a backup or third-cornerback role, ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Waynes had three interceptions and defended 11 passes with 50 tackles last season. If he struggles, Newman could quickly move back to a starting role, however.

Waynes (concussion) is active for Saturday's game against the Packers.

EDGE Analysis

Waynes missed last week's game due to a concussion he suffered in Week 14 but he's since cleared the concussion protocol. He'll be one of the team's top backups behind starting cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes and Terence Newman.

Waynes (concussion) was full participant in Thursday's practiced.

EDGE Analysis

The young cornerback was held out of the Vikings' Week 15 matchup against the Colts due to a concussion he suffered the previous week. He was able to practice on a limited basis Wednesday before logging a full session Thursday. Waynes appears to be trending toward a return to the field for Saturday's game against the Packers, which would give the Vikings some much-needed depth in the secondary.

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

EDGE Analysis

The Vikings will be short on depth in the secondary with Harrison Smith also ruled out as well.

Waynes (concussion) is ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game.

EDGE Analysis

Waynes has presumably entered concussion protocol and may be in line to miss Week 15.

Waynes exited Sunday's game against the Jaguars to be evaluated for a concussion.

EDGE Analysis

Both Captain Munnerlyn and Mackensie Alexander are likely in store for an expanded role on defense unless Waynes can return.

Waynes will start at cornerback against Detroit with Terrance Newman out with a neck injury, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Waynes has had an inconsistent season with some big plays and frequent penalties. He'll likely get plenty of action from Detroit's passing game.

Waynes will have an expanded role Sunday against Washington with Captain Munnerlyn out with an ankle injury, as he'll get playing time outside in the nickel, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Terence Newman will be used at cornerback in base packages in place of Munnerlyn, but move inside to cover slot receivers in the nickel package with Waynes playing on the outside.

Waynes had one tackle and played 31 snaps in Monday's win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Waynes is having a more limited role off the bench with Xavier Rhodes fully back from knee and hamstring injuries. However, it looks like the Vikings want to keep him in the secondary rotation.