The Minnesota Vikings are set to head into their first appearance in the NFC Championship game in nearly a decade.

This could be done without one of their key pieces in the secondary as safety Andrew Sendejo is dealing with a concussion that he suffered in the divisional round against the New Orleans Saints. However, head coach Mike Zimmer is confident that Sendejo will be able to play against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.

The concussion occurred late in the third quarter of last Sunday's contest as he blindly ran into Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas. He had laid motionless on the field for a few moments and was able to be helped off by the team medical staff. Prior to the injury, he had made an impressive interception on a deep pass from Drew Brees in the first quarter.

Although Sendejo has remained in the concussion protocol, he has continued to work through the process as he was a full participant in Friday's practice after being limited on both Wednesday and Thursday. There should be a final verdict on whether or not he will play by Saturday.

The 30-year-old has been a major part of the Vikings secondary over the last several seasons alongside All-Pro safety Harrison Smith. The two have helped anchor the second-best defense against the pass this season that also finished first overall statistically.

Sendejo was able to play in 13 games in the regular season where he recorded 13 tackles while making two interceptions and seven pass deflections. If he's unable to give it a go, second-year safety Jayron Kearse could draw the start at strong safety against the Eagles.

Philadelphia may have their backup quarterback in Nick Foles under center for the contest, the secondary will figure to play a major part in deciding the outcome. The Vikings are just a win away from reaching the Super Bowl for the first time since 1976 and becoming just the third team to host the Super Bowl in league history.