Healthy Vikings Ready To Face Carolina
By Adam Carlson
Sep 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings strong safety Jamarca Sanford (33) and cornerback Chris Cook (20) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Prior to the Vikings bye week last week, the team had accrued multiple injuries that made depth on the defensive side of the ball scarce. Here is a quick list of the players who were injured and making a return this week against the Panthers in week 6:
Oct 7, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive back Chris Cook (20) during the second quarter at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Cook (cornerback) – While recovering from a groin injury that he suffered during week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, Cook left a hole at cornerback that was filled by Marcus Sherels. Although Sherels played well in place in Cook, it will be nice for the team to have Cook’s size and speed available. It will also help to limit snaps for A.J. Jefferson, who has been struggling this year.
Sep 15, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (left) scores a touchdown pas Minnesota Vikings strong safety Jamarca Sanford (33) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jamarca Sanford (safety) – Sanford injured his hamstring in the week 3 game against the Browns. In his place, Andrew Sendejo has played at a reasonable level but Sanford will be much more at home in the Vikings secondary. Sendejo can also return to being a special teams ace and rotational safety. In addition, Robert Blanton can return to being a substitute and give breaks to the starters when needed.
Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) passes against the Cleveland Browns in the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Browns win 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Ponder (quarterback) – Although back to health after a scary injury sustained in the game against Cleveland, Ponder will return to the active list today, but will act as a backup for his former backup, Matt Cassel. With the news of Ponder’s rib injury being life threatening, it is surprising that the team isn’t making him inactive for this game.
Nov 4, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) tackles Minnesota Vikings tight end Rhett Ellison (40) during the game at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Minnesota 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Rhett Ellison (tight end) – A knee injury has kept Ellison from taking the field so far this year, but he is currently listed as “questionable” on the Vikings final injury report this week. With the return of fullback Jerome Felton in week 3, and the underwhelming performances from the other tight ends so far this season, Minnesota may just sit him out for this game as a precautionary measure. Ellison is an excellent blocker who is also more than able to catch passes.
With the return of these 4 men, the Vikings should automatically have a better squad than just a few weeks ago. But do not count out the wily Carolina Panthers. They are a better team than their record shows and might just be hungry enough to take a big bite out of this Minnesota team today.