Defensive Reinforcements Appear to Be on the Way for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings currently showcase the NFL’s eighth-best defense per EPA/Play, down six spots from last year.
The Minnesota Vikings will take all the help they can get heading into Week 3, and thankfully, defensive reinforcements should be coming.
The group certainly hasn’t played poorly like the offense through two games, but there’s an opportunity upcoming for Brian Flores and Co. to improve as early as this weekend. Why? Reinforcements seem to be on the way.
Key Vikings Players on Defense Close to Return
The Vikings are just ravaged by injuries.
Andrew Van Ginkel Trending to Play Sunday vs. Bengals
Van Ginkel, a starting outside linebacker, suffered a concussion in Week 1, and the standard return-to-action for that injury is nine days in the NFL. That timetable puts Van Ginkel on track to play in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said this week, “We’re expecting some good news on Okudah and Gink with where they’re at in the phase of the protocol being able to begin their practice work and clear that last hurdle to hopefully be available this week.”
Barring unforeseen setbacks, Van Ginkel should be cleared for Sunday against Jake Browning’s Bengals.
CB Jeff Okudah, Too
Okudah, too, suffered a concussion in the win over the Bears to start the season. That injury happened on the game’s final play, sadly enough, as the transaction turned out to be somewhat meaningless.
In that game, Okudah played just 16 defensive snaps, but back in the summer, he earned the CB3 job, and sooner or later, the third cornerback will be needed on defense.
Sans Okudah last Sunday, cornerback Dwight McGlothern logged a 51.1 Pro Football Focus grade while playing 11 snaps. The hope is that Okudah will play more efficiently.
And he’s on track to return this weekend.
Don’t Forget Harrison Smith
Promising updates, courtesy of O’Connell, arrived for Van Ginkel and Okudah specifically. But don’t forget about Harrison Smith.
He’s spent the last month-plus recovering from an unknown personal health ailment, telling reporters last week that he was close to returning to live action. Folks will monitor the injury reports this week, and if Smith is a full participant, he, too, could become a defensive reinforcement in Week 3 or the following week overseas against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin.
Every Little Bit Helps
Injuries, of course, are a staple of the NFL, and the Vikings are not unique. The number of injuries is alarming, however, especially to start the season. Minnesota’s injury report actually looks like one from late in the season or before the playoffs for some clubs.
The reinforcements are vital because Minnesota must start winning games before the meaty and gruesome portion of the schedule hits after the Week 6 bye. Following three upcoming games against the Burrow-less Bengals, Browns, and Steelers, Minnesota will face the Eagles, Chargers, Lions, and Ravens.
The club must win now or risk a lost season. It’s why tracking returns to the lineup for Van Ginkel, Okudah, and Smith, among others, is so vital.
K. Joudry on the Injury Situation
Our K. Joudry noted on the Vikings’ current injuries: “Football, a matchup sport, becomes a whole lot easier when a tackle capable of going toe-to-toe with the other team’s top pass rusher can put on his shoulder pads.”
“For the Bengals in Week 3, that means [Christian Darrisaw] slowing down Trey Hendrickson, someone coming off a 17.5-sack season where he was named to the Pro Bowl, was honored as a first-team All Pro, and finished in second place for Defensive Player of the Year.”
“The defense could then see further help with edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel alongside corner Jeff Okudah. Adding starting-level talent at left tackle, edge rusher, and within the secondary would be a major boost for Minnesota.”
Even with the injury bonanza, Minnesota is still favored to beat Cincinnati by two or three points.
“So, too, would Murphy’s availability be a nice development even if he’s a depth player (he’s somewhat of a mystery since O’Connell’s update ruled out long-term injury; Murphy may need some short-term rest). The Vikings reinforcements aren’t locked into being active,” Joudry added.
“Each player is working on a separate, individualized recovery timeline that will dictate availability. There is, nevertheless, hope that some of these players — if not all — will be available in time for the Week 3 Bengals battle at U.S. Bank Stadium.”
Wide receiver Jordan Addison, who is not injured but suspended, will return to the lineup in 11 days.
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