Rypien will serve as the team’s emergency quarterback as the Vikings look to keep pace with the Lions in the competitive NFC North. They head into Week 9 as one of the healthier teams in the league as they get back tight end T.J. Hockenson for the first time this season.

Akayleb Evans will miss his second consecutive game for the Vikings, who also did not activate wide receiver Justin Jefferson from injured reserve. Minnesota is nearing full strength as they head to the final third of the season looking to maintain their position in the NFC playoff picture.

The Vikings will keep their secondary intact with Evans active against the 49ers. Both Evans and Byron Murphy are likely to be busy attempting to contain Brandon Aiyuk but get a slightly more manageable task with Deebo Samuel set to miss the next two games, at minimum. Inactive for the Vikings are G Ezra Cleveland, S Lewis Cine, CB NaJee Thompson, TE Nick Muse, LB Andre Carter, and OT Hakeem Adeniji.

Evans suffered his third concussion of the season in Week 13. He will now miss at least four games. The rookie cornerback made his second start of the season last week. His absence thins out the ranks of an already-depleted secondary.