The Quiet Vikings News: RB1 Now $23K Poorer, A Well-Paid “Tree Stump,” and MIN QB Has Surgery
A normal week in the NFL contains tons of updates. As a result, some of the Vikings news can sometimes get lost in the shuffle.
Over the past week, Vikings Territory (and PurplePTSD,) has being putting out ample content to keep readers informed. There has been some discussion of J.J. McCarthy’s latest health update, a promising free agent corner choosing the Steelers instead of the Vikings, and what appears to be a dicey situation involving Justin Jefferson. Check out some of the other things that readers may have missed.
The Vikings News Going into Week 11
News Update #1 — Aaron Jones Got Fined
Within the broad effort to limit head contact, the NFL has decided to fine RB1 Aaron Jones for lowering his helmet on a run.
Tom Pelissero comes through with the update: “The NFL fined Vikings RB Aaron Jones $23,186 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet) on this play last week in Detroit.”
And the play itself (for those who are curious):
More positive was the manner in which Jones sought to honor veterans recently. Lindsey Young of Minnesota’s website offers some of the details: “He led the Vikings out of the tunnel during pregame introductions, proudly carrying an American flag that furled behind him as he sprinted past teammates. And then he saw his mother, Vurgess Jones, waiting to meet her son at the end of the line. Jones wrapped his mother in his arms and lifted her in a bear hug, taking off his helmet to connect over a deeply special moment.”
Further: “Vurgess Jones and her late husband, Alvin Jones, Sr., served a combined 56 years in the U.S. Army, both retiring as sergeant majors.”
Read more of Young’s piece to dig into the topic a touch more.
News Update #2 — Paying $88 Million for a “Tree Stump”
Wes Phillips is quite charming. And funny. Yes, he tends to be quiet and is fairly dry, but he’s a sharp guy who does a good job in front of a crowd.
He chatted with the media earlier in the week. At one point, Coach Phillips was asked about RG1 Will Fries, who has been the most reliable part of the battered-and-bruised offensive line: “He’s kind of the tree stump in there. It’s a very large tree stump, like a redwood that was cut down, just planted right in there.”
And some more thoughts: “Will is like the ultimate o-lineman. He just wants to go out and kick ass. Come off the rock and hit people. You love that about him.”
Sturdy, rooted, and tough, Will Fries has been solid. The lone problem is that he’s being paid very well. Eventually, Mr. Fries — known as Spud to his teammates — will need to push his game up to elite to justify that contract.
News Update #3 — Carson Wentz Went Under the Knife (Things Went Well)
Were I the mayor of Minneapolis (or Saint Paul, perhaps), I would issue a decree insisting that Carson Wentz always eats free at the city’s food establishments. His willingness to take bullets so that neither of J.J. McCarthy nor Max Brosmer had to was difficult to watch (and, arguably, should have been put to end by the coaching staff). Off the charts toughness, folks.
Consider what Kevin O’Connell said of the matter: “Carson Wentz had successful left shoulder surgery yesterday in LA. Hope to get him, he’ll be out there for a few days, and then hope to get him back. He’s planning on being back in the building when he returns, continuing his rehab there.”
As things stand, Minnesota’s quarterback hierarchy features J.J. McCarthy sitting at the very top. There’s then upside backup Max Brosmer (the rookie UDFA) and the “psycho” QB3 otherwise known as John Wolford.
Carson Wentz will turn 33 before 2026 arrives. Quite possibly, Mr. Wentz comes back to be the Vikings’ backup passer next season.
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