Return of Fan Favorite Will Give Vikings A Major Boost
There has been a steady stream of injury news coming out of Minnesota this season, and most of it has been bad. However, the Vikings have some good news this week with the return of a fan favorite, who could give the team a major boost heading into a big Week 9 clash against the Detroit Lions.
VikingsTerritory looks at how the potential return of Vikings fans’ favorite Andrew Van Ginkel will give the team a boost.
Van Ginkel signed with the Vikings last offseason, reuniting with Brian Flores in Minnesota. His first season was a huge success, and the Midwesterner quickly became a fan favorite among the Vikings’ fanbase. Van Ginkel concluded the 2024 season by being voted to the Pro Bowl for the first time and earning second-team All-Pro recognition.
Vikings OLB Andrew Van Ginkel’s Presumed Return Should Ignite Excitement
He quickly became an integral part of the defense and arguably the guy who makes everything work. The edge defender’s ability to excel in all aspects — pass rush/run defense/coverage — to a high standard was a key factor in Flores’ disguises and exotic blitzes working so well last season. Only played in two games so far this season and has been on the injury report since Week 2 because of a concussion, first, and then a neck injury since Week 4.
After seeing limited work on the side fields over the past couple of weeks, Van Ginkel has been a full participant in practice this week. Neck injuries are delicate situations, as we saw not too long ago with Danielle Hunter, who lost an entire season to one. With the final injury report out, Van Ginkel has practiced in full all week but still carries a questionable status going into Sunday.
The Road to Recovery
There is nothing worse for a professional sports person than being sidelined by an injury, and Van Ginkel spoke about his road to recovery this week. “It’s just been a long process, and I’ve been careful with how I’ve been able to handle this, going through the motions of progressing well so I can get back on the field and help this team win.”
The Vikings’ edge rusher says he is feeling good and seemingly ready to get back out there and help his team. “I feel really good with where I’m at. I’ve been able to practice in a limited role the past couple of weeks and have been able to ramp it up, get back on the field, and take some team reps. It’s been a great progression.”
That’s the goal,” Van Ginkel added about playing against the Lions. “I’m listening to the training staff and everything they have. They’re preparing me well, and there are steps to return to play, and that’s the goal.”
Defensive Struggles in Van Ginkel’s Absence
The defense was supposed to be the strength of this team in 2025. The solid foundation to help the team’s young QB find his feet. It hasn’t worked out that way, apart from a stunning Isaiah Rodgers-led performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. The team has struggled to stop the run all season, which has led to the pass rush faltering and the secondary failing. The money and star power on this defense are up front; as soon as you ask the defensive backs to cover for a long time, this team is in trouble.
A player as talented as Van Ginkel can have a significant impact. He can do it all and will make his teammates’ jobs easier. That’s the impact a healthy number 43 can have. The neck is a delicate part of the human anatomy that requires extra caution, which Van Ginkel acknowledged. “I’ve never really had neck issues that have popped up. I’ve had things here and there, but not to this extent.”
Van Ginkel’s return to the field will be a huge boost for Minnesota. Whether it’s this Sunday or we have to wait a bit longer, the best news of all is that he’s on his way back.
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