A Minnesota Vikings Star Could Be Returning at Just the Right Time
The Minnesota Vikings have dealt with a number of injuries all season on both sides of the ball.
From Christian Darrisaw’s up and down recovery from last year’s ACL/MCL tears, to Brian O’Neill’s MCL sprain, to multiple concussions, and J.J. McCarthy missing the past five games because of an ankle sprain, it has been a tough start to the year in Minnesota.
However, one Vikings star could be heading back onto the field at exactly the right time.
A Minnesota Vikings Star’s Return to Boost Team?
Andrew Van Ginkel has struggled through multiple injuries this year. First, he suffered a concussion in Week 1 and missed Week 2. Then, he returned in Week 3 and was able to muster just eight snaps before leaving because of a neck injury.
Van Ginkel hasn’t been back on the field since then, meaning he has played just 69 snaps all season for the Vikings defense.
That could be set to change this weekend though. After being a surprise full participant at Wednesday’s practice, Van Ginkel once again managed to practice in full on Thursday. Assuming the Vikings aren’t pulling a strange Lamar Jackson/Baltimore Ravens situation, the prognosis seems clear: Van Ginkel will be back on the field this Sunday.
Aside from a Jeff Okudah concussion that is very likely to keep him sidelined this weekend, Van Ginkel’s return means the Vikings are as close to full health on the defensive side of the ball as they’ve been since Week 1 against the Chicago Bears.
Minnesota will need all of its stars to step up in a big way this weekend too as they go up against a Lions offense that has totaled 30.7 points for game, good for third in the NFL behind only the Indianapolis Colts (who have come out of nowhere) and the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite playing so few snaps this season, Van Ginkel has been a big injection of energy for the defense when he has been on the field. He nearly recorded another pick-six against the Chicago Bears in the season opener, and he managed to put together two sacks on Bengals QB Jake Browning in his eight Week 3 snaps.
Van Ginkel was an absolute stud during his first season in Minnesota, totaling 18 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. It was good enough to get him all the accolades, including a Pro Bowl selection, a second-team All-Pro selection, and votes for Defensive Player of the Year.
At 3-4, the Vikings are in desperate need of a win this weekend to begin the march back into the NFC North race. Hopefully, Van Ginkel can contribute to a Week 9 victory.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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