Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) warms up before the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings have a 5-2 record through eight weeks and host the Indianapolis Colts this weekend on Sunday Night Football.
The game is set up as the Vikings’ almighty hinge event, determining whether their season is back on track or regrettably swirling down the tubes.
And besides obvious players like Justin Jefferson, Sam Darnold, and Aaron Jones, these four Vikings can help snap the losing ways. They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most likely to help snap the skid).
Risner is listed as questionable for Sunday Night Football, evidently close to 100% healed from a back injury but still in jeopardy.
However, beyond Week 9, Risner could enter the starting lineup and help secure the offensive line’s pass-protecting integrity. Put plainly, he’s a better lineman than right guard Ed Ingram, even if Ingram’s run-blocking is superior.
Like last year, Risner could be the midseason special sauce at guard for Minnesota.
Although team-friendly on his part, Turner sounded a bit perplexed this week about his role. He told KSTP’s Darren Wolfson on Monday: “I mean, just, I don’t know either. Just working every day in practice, still getting better, still learning from my guys. Whatever works best for the team, I’m not really complaining.”
“I mean, any way I can help the team go out there and affect the quarterback, impact the game in any type of way, I’m up for it. Every day, I thank God just to be in the position I am today,” he added.
If defensive coordinator Brian Flores tosses Turner into the lineup, he might just be good. Give it a try.
Addison posted a “FREE 3” caption on Instagram this week — that ignited a firestorm of false trade speculation — and he wants the ball.
With the next guy on the list returning to the starting lineup, the path should be paved for Addison to see more space in the offense. Addison is also overdue for a breakout game(s), with his sophomore production paling in comparison to last year.
He’s baaaaaack.
The Vikings offense could use an injection, and Hockenson is just what the doctor ordered. Similar to 2022, when he joined the club midseason, the veteran tight end can become a target hog and enhance the offense even further.
Because the Vikings started the season 5-0, some felt Hockenson was take-it-or-leave-it. Nope — the guy is vital.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.