Surprise Defender Shows Up on Vikings Injury Report
Injuries are probably the Minnesota Vikings’ top storyline with about a month of the season in the books. And if the existing allotment weren’t enough, outside linebacker Dallas Turner did not practice in London on Thursday.
The Minnesota Vikings’ injury report has enough items to mitigate as-is, and another showed up Thursday, a few days before Week 5 against CLE.
Turner has a few days to heal from the sickness, and his status is worth tracking heading into the weekend. The hits just keep on coming for the injury report.
Vikings Injury Report: No Practice for Dallas Turner on THU
Will the injury parade ever slow down?
Dallas Turner Logs DNP in London Due to Illness
A DNP (did not practice) reared its ugly head for Turner on Thursday.
CBS Sports reported: “Dallas Turner (illness) did not practice Thursday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. With Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) banged up, Turner has started each of the last three games, and he even played 100 percent of the defensive snaps last Sunday against the Steelers.”
“If Van Ginkel, who has posted back-to-back DNPs this week, is unable to play again, Turner should have another heavy workload against Cleveland, as long as he’s healthy himself.”
Details regarding the sickness were not made public, so fans will just cross their fingers and hope that it’s minor.
A Friday Climax
On Fridays, before Sunday games, NFL teams lock in an official injury report. For Turner, his fate will take shape on that day.
Sometimes illnesses show up on the injury report, and then the player is back the next day — almost like a regular person’s sick day in real life. The sickness could also linger, which would put Turner’s status for Browns-Vikings in jeopardy.
In any event, Friday will serve as the mighty clue about Turner’s Week 5 outlook.
Too Many Injuries in General
Listen, Minnesota is utterly decimated by injuries. It’s cruel.
Van Ginkel won’t play this week because of a neck injury, and the next couple of weeks will be used to get a verdict on his post-bye-week status. Neck injuries are tricky in sports and not cut-and-dried like others might be.
Van Ginkel, too, is just the tip of the iceberg. Running back Aaron Jones and inside linebacker Blake Cashman are on injured reserve. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy, guard Donovan Jackson, tackle Brian O’Neill, and center Ryan Kelly won’t play this week.
Until Thursday, the injury festival wasn’t supposed to include Turner. But here we are.
Turner’s Replacement if Necessary
If Turner, in theory, cannot play in London, the Vikings would obviously showcase Jonathan Greenard foremost. After him, reserve players would step up to the plate, including Bo Richter, rookie Chaz Chambliss, and practice squader Gabriel Murphy.
Richter would start the game — believe it or not — and Chambliss would almost certainly see work.
Murphy may be activated from the practice squad, and fans will recall his impressive preseason mastery in August. The option exists, as well, that Tyler Batty could be recovered from his own injury in time to play.
More on the Injury Train
Our Ted Schwerzler noted on the Vikings’ injury situation, including Turner’s DNP: “It wouldn’t seem that Turner’s issue is long term. Being described as an illness, it’s likely he is back on the field tomorrow.”
“However, if it is something that lingers, that would be a problem considering he is the top backup with Andrew Van Ginkel out. Donovan Jackson is still recovering from his wrist surgery and will be out through the Week 6 bye. It doesn’t look like Brian O’Neill will be available Sunday either as he heals his sprained MCL.”
Minnesota is expected to defeat Cleveland by three or four points.
“The center position has taken a huge hit with both starter Ryan Kelly (concussion) and backup Michael Jurgens (hamstring) off the field. The Vikings don’t have another center on their active roster or practice squad, which would force Blake Brandel into the role for the first time in his career. Cleveland is definitely a beatable team even with the injuries Minnesota is trying to overcome,” Schwerzler added.
“They will be starting rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel for his NFL debut, and pass rusher Myles Garrett didn’t practice on Wednesday. Minnesota can’t afford to overlook the Browns though. That defense is legit, and they already upset the Green Bay Packers earlier this season.”
Turner ranks second in the NFL this season per quarterback pressures among players age 22 or younger. He has 11.
You must be logged in to post a comment.