Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports activities.
One other candy footnote to the Minnesota Vikings’ commanding win over the Atlanta Falcons final weekend? The accidents didn’t pile up.
Harm Consideration Turns to One Vikings Participant in Week 15
And that was fairly necessary for a workforce already lacking Christian Darrisaw, Mekhi Blackmon, J.J. McCarthy, and Ivan Tempo Jr. in the intervening time. Except one thing bubbles to the floor on Wednesday and Thursday’s first damage report, the Vikings-Falcons tryst got here out comparatively clear for purple accidents.
Nonetheless, heading right into a Week 15 date with the Chicago Bears on Monday Night time Soccer, all eyes flip to beginning cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who missed Sunday’s win over Atlanta with a hamstring damage. The Bears showcase pass-catchers like Keenan Allen, D.J. Moore, and Rome Odunze, so Gilmore’s availability will likely be paramount.
When Gilmore injured his hamstring in a win over the Arizona Cardinals 9 days in the past, it appeared the Vikings would take his restoration cautiously. Minnesota has an 11-2 file by way of 14 weeks, firmly positioned to achieve the playoffs and with hope of clinching a spot this Sunday with a dub.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Pictures.
After the Week 13 win over Arizona, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert tweeted, “Kevin O’Connell said he is hoping the Vikings avoided a longer-term hamstring injury for CB Stephon Gilmore by holding him out after he suffered it.”
Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling added, “Kevin O’Connell said Stephon Gilmore was thinking about coming back in, but the Vikings kept him out with his left hamstring injury. He’s hopeful Gilmore won’t be out long. Right knee injury for Pat Jones II, who returned.”
Subsequently, it didn’t appear to be Gilmore’s absence can be extended. This week’s apply classes would be the check and indicator.
With out Gilmore on Sunday, the Vikings leaned closely on Fabian Moreau, who performed splendidly after a suspect efficiency in Week 13. Moreau, a seasoned veteran with ample beginning expertise, banked a powerful 75.1 Professional Soccer Focus grade versus Atlanta, totaling 27 protection snaps. The person bounced again — that’s what veterans usually do.
Rookie Dwight McGlothern performed a bit of bit, too, seeing 4 protection snaps towards Kirk Cousins and good friend and tabulating a 64.9 PFF mark within the restricted pattern.
Whereas Moreau delivered in Week 14 and McGlothern may morph right into a starter-caliber nook sooner or later, the Vikings’ lives will likely be a lot simpler if Gilmore is obtainable for Monday Night time Soccer.
Gilmore is a five-time Professional Bowler.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the College of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his day by day YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The present options visitors, evaluation, and opinion on all issues associated to the purple workforce, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates again to 1996. Listed responsible pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doorways (the band). He follows the NBA as intently because the NFL.
All statistics are supplied by Professional Soccer Reference / Stathead; all contractual data is supplied by OverTheCap.com.
