Robert Blanton Hit With Another Training Camp Injury
By Dan Zinski
Robert Blanton has suffered a set back in his quest to lock down the Vikings’ starting free safety spot, but how big a set back it is remains to be seen.
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Wednesday during a practice drill, Blanton pulled up lame and had to be removed from the field. Later the word was passed down that Blanton suffered a hamstring injury and will likely be sidelined for a few weeks.
This must feel like deja vu all over again for Blanton, who suffered a training camp injury in 2012 that cost him a chance to compete for a starting spot.
Blanton came into camp this year with a very good chance to win the starting free safety job, but now that opportunity is in serious jeopardy. It all depends on how quickly Blanton is able to return from the hamstring. The longer the injury lingers, the harder it will be for him to regain his spot atop the depth chart.
In Blanton’s absence, familiar faces Jamarca Sanford and Mistral Raymond will get looks at free safety. They will be joined by free agent acquisition Kurt Coleman and rookie Antone Exum. Andrew Sendejo remains sidelined by a back injury, but Mike Zimmer indicated that he could get back on the practice field next week.
If it ain’t one thing it’s another for the Vikings’ secondary. Eventually they will find a starting free safety who can stay healthy. We hope.
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