Beloved Viking Set to Return Any Day Now
Need a bit of good news in the way of Minnesota Vikings injuries? The team might have a little dose. Fullback C.J. Ham can be activated from injured reserve this week, a strong hint that his return is around the bend.
While injuries have totally ravaged the Minnesota Vikings, one longtime playmaker should be back in the lineup before too long, possibly Sunday.
Minnesota placed Ham on IR before the start of the season, and after four weeks, he’s eligible to return.
C.J. Ham Eyes Return to Minnesota Vikings Lineup
It’s about damn time for good news regarding Vikings injuries.
Vikings to Open Practice Window for C.J. Ham
ESPN’s Adam Schefter kicked off the fun this week:
Players who started season on IR and are eligible to return after Week 4:
— Titans RB Tyjae Spears
— Panthers WR Jalen Coker
— Cowboys WR Jonathan Mingo
— Bills CB Maxwell Hairston
— Browns WR David Bell
— Packers RB MarShawn Lloyd
— Dolphins K Jason Sanders
— Vikings FB C.J. Ham
— Patriots LB Jahlani Tavai
— Saints TE Foster Moreau
Ham’s name made the cut in the Schefter tweet, and he could see the field as early as this Sunday in London.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert tweeted Monday, “O’Connell also said the team will open the 21-day practice windows for FB C.J. Ham and LB Tyler Batty. Front office is considering some player moves to maintain depth at offensive line. A bit of a challenge given the location, but team prepared for the possibility.”
Team Will Take Any Help It Can Get
Ham certainly isn’t a high-octane playmaker on the Vikings’ roster or anything close to it, but he does the dirty deeds on the football field — like pass protection.
And for a club that ranks dead last in sacks allowed per offensive play, welcoming back a player like Ham can only be construed as good news. Injuries have devastated Minnesota in the first month of regular season activities, especially on the offensive line, with Brian O’Neill, Ryan Kelly, and Donovan Jackson sidelined indefinitely.
Ham can provide an extra level of pass protection for Carson Wentz and J.J. McCarthy, to which fans say, “We’ll take it.”
What’s Next for Ham?
This week, Minnesota will release its first injury report on Wednesday. That digital document will produce the first clue about Ham’s game-readiness.
A “Did Not Participate” (DNP) will signal a poor trend for Ham in London, while anything other than a DNP — limited participation in practice or full participation — will chart a course for Ham on Sunday.
The injury report also works as a progressive indicator. That is — Thursday and Friday will give more hints about Ham’s status. Friday is the almighty smoking gun. If Ham is questionable or better, there’s a tangible chance that he’ll be available for offensive and special teams action against the Cleveland Browns this weekend.
Someone Will Be Cut
Meanwhile, to make room for Ham, who is guaranteed to be back sometime soon, one player will be waived or released.
That player can then be added back to the practice squad, but a single player is on the chopping block, nevertheless. Candidates might include:
- Chaz Chambliss (OLB)
- Desmond Ridder (QB)
- Nick Vannett (TE)
- Elijah Williams (DT)
More on Browns-Vikings from RotoWorld
Minnesota is a 5.5-point favorite this weekend, as Vegas expects the purple team to enter the bye in Week 6 with a winning record.
RotoWorld on the matchup: “It’s amazing how quickly a team’s season all of a sudden reaches a crossroads in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings (2-2) seem to be at such a point this weekend as they play their second consecutive game in Europe (they were in Dublin, Ireland last weekend) when they take the field in London against the Cleveland Browns (1-3).”
“The Vikings are in this position following their 24-21 loss last weekend to the Steelers in their first of two consecutive games across the Pond. With games against the Eagles, Chargers, and Lions on the horizon, this game becomes paramount.”
It’s also worth noting that this season is the final year of Ham’s contract. He’s scheduled to hit free agency in five months.
“Carson Wentz gets his third straight start in place of the injured J.J. McCarthy. The veteran is 1-1 since taking over as QB1. The Browns were blasted last weekend by the aforementioned Lions in Motown, 34-10. Joe Flacco threw two more interceptions in the loss. He has thrown six already this season,” RotoWorld added.
“The veteran’s QBR for the season sits at a less than desirable 27.0 which ranks 32nd in the NFL. For reference’s sake, Wentz ranks 29th with a QBR of 38.7.”
Ham is the second-longest-tenured Vikings player behind safety Harrison Smith.
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