Vikings Expect Sullivan, Ducasse Back Against Buccaneers
By Adam Carlson
It would be difficult not to notice the struggles on the Minnesota Vikings offensive line lately. Right guard Brandon Fusco went on Injured Reserve and left tackle Matt Kalil is struggling really badly to get going this year. To cap it off, in Sunday’s heartbreaking loss to the Buffalo Bills, center John Sullivan suffered a concussion and Vladimir Ducasse hurt his knee.
There is good news though.
Jul 25, 2014; Mankato, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Vladimir Ducasse (62) leaves the field at training camp at Minnesota State University. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
All-Pro center John Sullivan has cleared the first phase of his concussion protocol and still needs to pass other testing in order to be available to play against Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, Vladimir Ducasse’s MRI on his knee came back clean.
On Wednesday, Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was asked whether or not he believes John Sullivan or Vladimir Ducasse will be available for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Here’s what he had to say according to Andrew Krammer at 1500 ESPN:
"“I think they should both be,” Zimmer said. “But we’ll see. They haven’t practiced yet, so we’ll see.”"
Things look even more optimistic for Ducasse, who claims to be fine.
"“I didn’t even look at the MRI, so I don’t know,” Ducasse said. “But I’m fine. I’m walking.”"
The Minnesota Vikings will need a healthy offensive line in order to protect rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater has taken a beating this year, being sacked a total of 15 times so far. If John Sullivan and Vladimir Ducasse are good to go for Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings could have a solid chance of walking out of Tampa Bay with a win.