Vikings Territory: Injuries Mount As Vikings Forge Ahead To Week 1

Press release from Vikings Territory:

2021-08-30

It’s never easy, is it?

General Manager Rick Spielman stockpiled a conglomeration of defense resources this offseason (Patrick Peterson, Dalvin Tomlinson, etc.) via free agency while fortifying the offensive side of things with offensive pieces (Christian Darrisaw, Wyatt Davis, etc.) from the NFL draft. The Vikings 2021 roster seemed pretty spiffy as the summer commenced, setting the stage for high expectations in September.

There are maladies that should be no big deal. The world ceased spinning a few weeks ago when Justin Jefferson sprained his AC joint – nobody knew for about one hour what the hell happened to him. Thankfully, his injury was relatively minor, and Jefferson is already back practicing with the team. But remember that ailment if Jefferson experiences any more setbacks. Adam Thielen also encountered a minor injury to his thigh in the second preseason game, canceling any chance of getting the offense off the ground in that contest. Then, rookie halfback Kene Nwangwu is nursing a hyperextended left knee back to health. He isn’t slated to play a huge role in the offense. His speed, however, is alluring to have available on Sundays.

After that, the recovered and recovering list is a bit noteworthy. Danielle Hunter returns to regular season action versus the Bengals, missing all of 2021 with a scary neck injury. During the offseason, Hunter looked fantastic. He will probably be just fine in getting back to his tyrannical ways, but it’s vital to remember this is a man that hopes to bounce back from one of sports’ worst injuries – of the neck variety.

Now, for the real eyebrow-raisers.

Drafted with the 23rd overall pick, Christian Darrisaw is not trending in the right direction to start early in the season. Instead, Rashod Hill – a career LT2 – is on the menu for LT1 duties. Ironically, the Vikings face their old LT1 during Week 1 in Ohio – Riley Reiff. A prolonged absence from Darrisaw only delays his development for a team that needs a good left tackle now.

If Smith Jr. is a no-go for one week – or 16 weeks – Minnesota will lean on Tyler Conklin indefinitely. It is undetermined if he is capable of bonafide TE1 status in an NFL offense. Probably – but it leaves a lot to chance. Otherwise, the Vikings can sign a free agent or execute a trade to fill Smith Jr.’s shoes.

So, the Vikings will have to mitigate injuries out of the gate to continue Zimmer’s odd-year winning voodoo.

This press release was produced by Vikings Territory .The views expressed here are the author’s own.