The Vikings’ defensive line plans may have been dealt a major blow today when a key figure reportedly injured himself.
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According to both Peter Schrager and Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports, DE Brian Robison suffered a pectoral injury while working out. The extent of the injury is not yet known.
If the injury is only a strain, it’s possible that Robison could be ready to go for training camp. If it’s a tear, it could be up to a 9-month injury, which would put his 2015 season in doubt.
The 32-year-old Robison was thought to be a candidate for contract re-structure or even possible release going into the offseason, but the Vikings elected to hold onto him on his old deal.
Luckily for Robison, $2 million of his $4.15 million salary for 2015 became guaranteed on the third day of the league year. The rest of Robison’s salary becomes guaranteed on July 1.
The Vikings went into free agency and the draft on the assumption that the normally-durable Robison would be ready to play a lot of snaps at LDE, and therefore did not aggressively address the position.
The Vikings did draft Danielle Hunter in the third round but Hunter is thought of as a project player who will take time to develop, and anyway he projects more as a right end than a left end.
The best candidate on the roster to take up the slack if Robison can’t go is 2014 3rd round pick Scott Crichton, who red-shirted last year but could be ready to step in now.
The Vikings did add massive DE Caesar Rayford in free agency this year, but he is another long-shot sort of prospect.
If Robison is not going to be ready for the start of the season, the Vikes may have to dip into the thin veteran free agent pool.
Though Robison did struggle against the run last year, and did by his own admission have some issues fitting into Mike Zimmer’s scheme, he still had value as a pass rusher and was going to be a big part of the plan this year.
Now, who knows what Robison will be able to bring, if anything. If this injury is severe enough, it could be the end of the line for the long-time Viking defensive end.
Be a shame to see good old Robison go out like this.
Next: Zimmer Has Already Threatened to Maim Danielle Hunter
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