Sanford And Cook In Doubt For Week 9
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
Injuries have played a huge part in the stuggles with the Vikings secondary. Things aren’t looking any better for Minnesota in week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys. Chris Cook (cornerback) and Jamarca Sanford (safety) were both held out of practice on Wednesday.
Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Jamarca Sanford (33) reacts after giving up a touchdown during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sanford exited the Vikings week 8 game against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter with a groin injury. Mistral Raymond played in Sanford’s place after the injury and is expected to get the start if he is unable to go. Meanwhile, Chris Cook injured his hip and was replaced in the fourth quarter of the Packers game by Josh Robinson, who moved over from the slot to cover the outside. The slot was filled by Marcus Sherels.
"“With defensive backs, when you have muscle issues it’s always a concern so I’m hoping because we need them,” Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier said. “I’m hoping that they’ll get through this. But with muscles and defensive backs or receivers, it’s always a concern.”"
The Vikings are already without their young star safety Harrison Smith who was placed on injured reserve with the designation for return after foot surgery. The secondary has struggled immensely since Smith’s exit, failing to get a turnover since he was placed on IR.
This week, Minnesota’s secondary faces the tough task of containing the high powered passing game of the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas is third in the NFL in passing touchdowns and Tony Romo is sixth in the NFL in passing yards. It will be interesting to see if the Vikings secondary can step up despite these injuries and stifle the Cowboys passing game.