Image courtesy of Vikings.com
According to a report from the Star Tribune’s Matt Vensel, Minnesota Vikings rookie tight end MyCole Pruitt missed Monday’s practice with a sprained left ankle:
The fifth-round draft pick out of Southern Illinois has been an important player for the Vikings this offseason, and looks to be a weapon for Teddy Bridgewater in the team’s passing attack in 2015. His potential in Norv Turner’s offense became clear during the Hall of Fame Game, when Pruitt led the team with 51 receiving yards on four catches.
His athleticism and versatility were on full display that night, and fans caught a glimpse of the talent that’s made Pruitt such an exciting addition to the organization. The rookie’s most memorable moment came in the second quarter, when backup quarterback Mike Kafka found Pruitt wide open down the left sideline for a 34-yard touchdown — the first touchdown of the 2015 season.
When Pruitt took the field last Saturday, many expected much of the same against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But with 4:45 left in the first quarter, Pruitt appeared to suffer the injury that left him in a walking boot for today’s practice. Below, a look at where the damage may have occurred:
Pruitt is executing a block on the left side of the line when Jerick McKinnon is tackled and falls into the back of the tight end’s legs. He appears to crumple to the ground and did not play the rest of the game — likely as a precaution from the medical staff.
Thankfully, a sprained ankle isn’t a major concern and Pruitt has time to recover before the start of the regular season. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, such an injury — depending on the severity — can heal anywhere from one week to a month or two. Hopefully, Pruitt is fully healed by the start of the regular season, as he appeared to be competing for the No. 2 position behind Kyle Rudolph.
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Loadholt and now best kept secret Pruitt, with Diggs getting so much attention, Pruitt might have been flying under the radar, I knew he could play catch what really surprised me is his blocking skills! Just look at that lower body in the attached picture, that power base and speed combination bears out Norv's keen eye, mixed with hard work that combination has got playing time written all over it. Injuries have always been part of football, they underline the need for depth at all positions. I'll always remember Steeler star and captain LB Andy Russell missing the '75 Super Bowl, I thought Fran would exploit the backup, but noooooooo, his replacement had a great game, Steelers didn't skip a beat.