Cameron Dantzler Provides Injury Update

Vikings Said Goodbye
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The Minnesota Vikings are down to nubbins at cornerback, and the team ranks 32nd in the NFL per passing yards allowed.

There’s no other way to spin it. The Vikings secondary is not good — until the 4th Quarter of games. Better late than never, huh?

Well, the franchise should get a boost in Week 14 — so, 12 days from now — with the probable return of cornerback Cameron Dantzler. The third-year corner injured his ankle in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders and was placed on injured reserve. He’s eligible to return versus the Detroit Lions in Week 14.

Vikings Corners Face First Test
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When asked by reporters on Monday if he plans to play on December 11th, Dantzler replied, “Absolutely. The training staff has done a wonderful job maintaining everything, and I’m right on target to return for Detroit.”

So, there you have it. Left up to Dantzler, who could’ve served up a wishy-washy response if he was still ailing, the man said to pencil him for the Lions showdown, which could be an NFC North-clinching affair.

Meanwhile, Dantzler’s rookie pal Andrew Booth underwent surgery on Monday to repair a meniscus injury and will inevitably miss multiple weeks. The question now for Booth is whether he’d return for the Vikings postseason quest. Maybe; maybe not.

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Too, before Dantzler’s return in Week 14, Minnesota is likely to welcome back rookie Akayleb Evans, who suffered a concussion versus the Buffalo Bills in Week 10. Evans has missed two consecutive games in the NFL’s concussion protocol. In relief of all these players, veteran Duke Shelley stepped in and has performed admirably in spots.

If Dantzler is correct about returning against Detroit, he’ll add much-needed pizazz to the CB room. Booth is down — probably for the count in 2022. Evans has been a surprise but may not be ready for CB1 duties under the bright lights of the postseason. And it is unclear if Shelley is a sustainable starter.

Dantzler has a 67.0 grade from Pro Football Focus in 2022, the 16th-best score on the team.


Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. 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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