The Vikings Just Opened the Return Window for a Key Defender
Blake Cashman will soon be back in the middle of the Minnesota Vikings’ defense, as the franchise opened his 21-day window to return from injured reserve.
Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman is on his way back after missing four games with a bad hamstring, and the team welcomes him back with open arms.
Recovering from a hamstring injury, Cashman will return to Brian Flores’ defense before too long — possibly this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Vikings Open Blake Cashman’s Practice Window
After a flurry of injuries, Cashman’s return nears.
Blake Cashman’s Return Window Activated from IR
Cashman’s return is imminent, as Vikings.com‘s Lindsey Young noted Monday, “The Vikings have opened Blake Cashman’s 21-day practice window, Head Coach Kevin O’Connell announced Monday. The linebacker suffered a hamstring injury against the Bears in Minnesota’s season opener and was placed on short-term Injured Reserve on Sept. 11. He recorded three tackles at Chicago.”
Head coach Kevin O’Connell said about Cashman, “It will be great to get Cash back on the practice field. He’s done a heck of a job getting himself ready to go, and we’ll give him the week of preparation and see where he’s at toward the tail end of the week.”
“We have just seen since we got Blake, when he’s out there, and we’re playing the type of defense that we’ve been accustomed to seeing, Blake’s got a lot to do with it.”
A Green Dot Guy for Minnesota
Every NFL defense has a signal-caller, and on ordinary Sundays, that’s Cashman for the Vikings.
So when O’Connell hyped up the return of Cashman or fans do the same, it’s not some rah-rah talking point. Brian Flores calls the plays for his defense into Cashman’s headset, and he relays the message. Cashman is that trusted.
In fact, last year, Cashman missed games due to injury, and his absence exactly aligned with a short losing streak. Some consider him the heart and soul of the defense.
It’s a big damn deal to have the veteran defender back in the lineup, even if his replacement filled in admirably.
Eric Wilson’s Commendable Replacement Services
Speaking of that replacement, Wilson deserves a tip of the cap for his production.
Wilson was the best player on the football field in Week 1, a dub over the Chicago Bears, impacting the game on defense and special teams. And when Cashman went down with the hamstring problem, Wilson didn’t provide an overly noticeable dip in efficiency.
His Pro Football Focus grade isn’t to die for — 54.4 — and Wilson didn’t play wonderfully in London, but for the first four weeks, the man did his job, easing the pain of Cashman’s injured reserve trip.
Now, Wilson can return to a role he knows well: ILB3 and special teams savant, which is where he’s most efficient and why the Vikings signed him from free agency seven months ago after a stint with the Green Bay Packers.
Other Vikings Injuries?
O’Connell also mentioned Monday that a handful of notable Vikings players will return to practice this week, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy, guard Donovan Jackson, right tackle Brian O’Neill, and center Michael Jurgens.
The skipper hinted, too, that outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel is on his way back from a neck injury, though it was unclear if Van Ginkel would ramp up for Week 7.
More from Vikings.com on Cashman’s Return
Young also remarked, “Cashman started 14 games for the Vikings last season and led the team in tackles with 112 (68 solo). He also totaled 4.5 sacks, 11 QB hits, eight tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and eight passes defensed.”
“Cashman typically quarterbacks Brian Flores’ defense, wearing the “green dot” helmet. Eric Wilson has filled in admirably during Cashman’s absence, having recorded 35 tackles, two tackles for loss and two forced fumbles so far this season. Should Cashman return to game-day action this weekend, it would mark his third career contest against the Eagles.”
Minnesota is a 2.5-point underdog against Philadelphia.
Young added, “The Vikings are sure to play it safe with the dynamic defender, though, and worth remembering is Minnesota’s short turnaround before playing the Chargers next week on Thursday Night Football. Players do not count against the 53-man limit while in their 21-day evaluation window, but a roster move would need to occur in order for the player to be activated.”
“Carson Wentz also will continue practicing this week despite getting banged up against the Browns prior to the bye. Wentz injured his left (non-throwing) shoulder during the Week 5 game in London but played through it in the second half to help Minnesota come away with a victory.”
Cashman signed a three-year, $22.5 million deal with the Vikings during the 2024 offseason.
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