Photo courtesy of Vikings.com
Losing Phil Loadholt was only the first blow of the week for the Minnesota Vikings.
Loadholt is out the rest of the season after suffering an Achilles injury in last week’s game. Wednesday’s the team was without center John Sullivan, defensive tackle Shamar Stephen, offensive tackle Carter Bykowski, rookie tight end MyCole Pruitt, safety Antone Exum and cornerback Josh Robinson.
Running back Adrian Peterson returned to practice as he continues to deal with a right thigh bruise, according to reports.
Sullivan missed practice with spasms, but coach Mike Zimmer didn’t elaborate where the spasms are located when he spoke with reporters following practice.
“He had a spasm,” Zimmer told Viking Update. “He’ll be alright.”
Stephen, the second-year defensive tackle, had arthroscopic surgery on his knee but is expected to be ready for the regular-season opener, Zimmer told reporters. Bykowski had shoulder surgery and Zimmer didn’t know how much time Bykowski, who was in the mix for a backup tackle spot, will miss.
Pruitt was held out of practice for the second straight day but was out of his walking boot as he deals with an ankle injury.
UPDATE: Multiple reports surfaced Thursday evening saying Bykowski had pectoral surgery and is out for the rest of the season.
Minus Loadholt and Bykowski, the tackle position has been thinned for the Vikings. Bykowski was in the running for a backup tackle spot. With rookie T.J. Clemmings currently the top right tackle in place of Loadholt, the backups are David Yankey, Austin Shepherd, Babatunde Aiyegbusi, Stephen Goodin (who was signed Tuesday) and possibly rookie Tyrus Thompson, who has been working out at guard.
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If OL stays healthy we can win it all. In the off season next year we shore up the line. We break in the new stadium with our "window" open for a decade.