Here Comes the Cavalry for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings could be totally rejuvenated after toppling the Los Angeles Chargers. The team could also flop and lose a slew of close games in the coming weeks. Mystery, indeed. Regardless, a cavalry for the Vikings is on its way to U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Somehow, Minnesota defeated the division-leading Chargers in Week 10 without the services of Danielle Hunter, Harrison Smith, Patrick Peterson, Anthony Barr, and Michael Pierce. Those men are notable, notable players.
Conversely, however, some of those players are on deck to return for Week 11, just in the time for the Green Bay Packers.
Who will not return? Danielle Hunter and Michael Pierce. Those two men missed all of the 2020 season, and both are missing considerable portions of time in 2021, too. Hunter tore his pectoral muscle against the Dallas Cowboys a couple of weeks ago, ending his season prematurely for the second year in a row. For Pierce, the Vikings nose tackle landed on Injured Reserve, ensuring the ex-Raven misses at least two more games. Pierce’s elbow has been a nagging ailment for several weeks.
The Vikings cavalry, though, is composed of Harrison Smith, Patrick Peterson, and perhaps Anthony Barr.
Smith is a shoo-in to return this weekend unless something else weird happens to the veteran safety. He reportedly contracted the coronavirus nine days ago, forcing him to quarantine for 10 days because of his unvaccinated status. In his absence, a rookie shined. That man is Camryn Bynum from the University of California, found by the Vikings in the 4th Round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
But now Smith is back, so Bynum will return to a limited role, clearing the way for Minnesota’s All-Pro safety. The long-term prognosis for Byumn is bright, rest assured. He just doesn’t have the resume to keep Smith off the field. Maybe they’ll start side by side in 2022.
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Harrison Smith back? Check. Next? Patrick Peterson.
When the Vikings walked off the Carolina Panthers a month ago, a casualty from the contest was Peterson’s hamstring. He was injured late, missing three games thereafter as a result. He’s eligible to return this week, though. Plus, like a good showman, he’s teasing his return.
Peterson, also an All-Pro, is the consummate professional who knows how to hype a fanbase. Without Peterson, the Vikings are skimpy at cornerback, allocating snaps to Cameron Dantzler, Bashaud Breeland, Mackensie Alexander, Harrison Hand, Kris Boyd, and Tye Smith.
And unless he’s sharing a video of Twitter just for giggles, he’ll be back on Sunday to shadow Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, who happens to be arguably the best pass-catcher in the NFL.
The cavalry arrives, indeed for the Vikings.
Finally, Anthony Barr might be back as well.
This one is less certain. Barr missed 14.5 games in 2020, weakening the middle of the Vikings defense to the utmost. He missed the first portion of 2021, too, and just started to hit a groove recently upon his return. He grabbed a circus interception against the Ravens in Week 9 – which should’ve won the game for Minnesota – but that’s the lasting memory of Barr for now. The UCLA alumnus didn’t play at Los Angeles, leaving his status for Packer week up in the air.
At the very least, the Vikings get two All-Pro caliber men back on defense. The addition of Barr would sweeten the deal.
The Vikings need the defensive firepower. Green Bay ranks seventh in the NFL for offensive DVOA.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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