Image courtesy of Vikings.com
If the Vikings weren’t concerned about starting center John Sullivan earlier this week, they should be now. According to the team’s official website, Sullivan underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy on Wednesday and was placed on the Injured Reserve/Designated for Return list. The injury and subsequent move to the IR means Sullivan can begin practicing after six weeks and playing after eight weeks.
Sullivan, who hadn’t practiced since August 18 because of back spasms, will miss at least half of the 2015 season, making him the second major loss to the Vikings’ starting offensive line. He joins Phil Loadholt on the sideline, leaving Teddy Bridgewater and the offense with a completely revamped group of players up front.
In the eight-year veteran’s place, Joe Berger looks to be the next-best option at center. He signed a two-year deal with the Vikings this offseason after starting nine games at right guard in 2014, and has the skill-set to rotate at any of the three interior line positions.
When asked Tuesday about Berger’s increased role, offensive coordinator Norv Turner shared nothing but praise for the 32-year-old out of Michigan Tech:
[quote_center]”Joe [Berger] has had an outstanding camp. He’s played guard, he’s played center, he’s kind of a leader of that group right now while we’re getting Sully ready to go. He’s a valuable guy to us, that’s why we wanted to have him back. I think he will do well if he has to go.”[/quote_center]
Sullivan’s loss could prove to be a major blow to this offense — given the shuffling and insertion of new players into the starting lineup, the offensive line has to be the biggest question mark facing this team heading into the 2015 season. Matt Kalil is returning from two knee surgeries, Brandon Fusco is transitioning from right to left guard, and the right side of the line is anchored by newcomers in Mike Harris and rookie T.J. Clemmings.
As Turner said, Berger may become the leader of this unit for the first eight weeks of the season, and he could very well make the most of his suddenly-crucial role to the team. Monday can’t get here soon enough.
Sullivan does not count against the 53-man roster limit, leaving the Vikings shorthanded before Monday night’s game with the San Francisco 49ers. Jabari Price, currently suspended, will return to the team after Week Two, making it unlikely the Vikings sign another lineman in Sullivan’s absence.
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Well that's the biggest downer of season so far. Loadholt was a huge blow and now Sully?
DAMN.
Yeah this really sucks Fran. Hopefully someone can step up but I have my doubts.
My worst thoughts Johnny; The O-line would be the weak spot again this year.
Looks like that may be the case.
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE TEDDY!!
Coach said herniated disc.
Well shit.
There are no Yarys, McDaniels, Zimmermans, Tinglehoffs, or Birks in this group, and this news makes things even worse. Very concerning.
yeah, me no like. berger is a good back-up, but now we're starting the season low on depth, and there's a chance sully doesn't make it back
good to see you, coach
Yep and we're not sure if we have a Left Tackle or not.
The jury is still out if Matt Kalil really wants to be a football player or not.
I get the felling we're in REAL bad shape on the O-line.
Good to see you back Coach!
What the heck every happened to Freds??
Yeah, I wish I knew, Fran. Would be good to hear what that old coot Freds is thinking about... regarding football, that is. Any sign of Tomb in the last year? He and I even had a brief writing gig there for a bit courtesy of Adam. Guess he had to admit I won those battles (although I defended Ponder, and boy was that a mistake!!). Maybe I have to admit he won.
The good teams are going to exploit our OLine situation, no question about it.
Hey Coach, good to hear from ya.
Yep, I miss old Freds. Tomb is about, was here the other day...just as wordy as ever.
Teams will exploit our O-line, so I guess the trick is to exploit their exploits. I'm sure there's a word for that...Tomb?
extrapoloit
Really I get the feeling these guys may retire. Need to spend 3 high draft picks on OL, one for center, right guard and depth.
With our defense set I think it is a necessity to draft at least two linemen early next year
now another charger O-lineman is available, 'free'
PFF:
Tyreek Burwell, G, Cincinnati: Earned the eighth-highest run blocking grade among left guards. Allowed just five total pressures on 246 pass blocking snaps.
Spielman should have addressed the sooner. We have a glutney of TE and RB, and a make shift OLine. That said I think we remain competitive and so long Teddy doesn't get hurt we should be in contention next year and beyond. Hopefully the group hold their own, if so limitless potential for this group.
Personally, I think folks should chill. Berger is a solid run blocker and should be a decent starter for as long as we need him this year. And Spielman finally did address the OL in both last year's and this year's drafts; one guy is starting, another won the swing tackle job with a very solid pre-season and the other two are at least on the practice squad. Zac Kerin also played will this pre-season and Sirles was well enough regarded that we had to trade a draft pick for him. I'd rather sign a veteran swing man than raid the practice squad this early in the season but I'm not panicking yet.