Henderson Officially Out, Cole In At Middle Linebacker Sunday

August 10, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Scott Tolzien (3) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Audie Cole (57) during the third quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

With Erin Henderson out on Sunday for “personal reasons”, that means that Audie Cole will step into the starting role on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

Cole is thrilled for the opportunity to get his first defensive start in the NFL in a regular season game.

"“Pumped!” Cole said. “I’m excited for my opportunity to get to go out and do what I’ve been waiting for, for a year and a half now.”"

Aug 9, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Audie Cole (57) tackles Houston Texans running back Deji Karim (39) in the third quarter at the Metrodome. The Texans won 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Audie Cole is already like the mythical unicorn to many Minnesota Vikings fans who saw him intercept two passes in one game and take them both to the end zone for touchdowns.  They shouldn’t expect similar results from him in this contest, but hopefully he’ll be able to take some of the pressure off an already struggling defense by adding some solid play at the middle linebacker position.

Cole was released earlier this year on November 7th and signed back with the Vikings two days later on the 9th.  He has mixed feelings about it, but is ready to make the best of his opportunities from now on.

"“It’s still not cool. It’s not what you want to happen,” Cole said. “I understand why they did it. Someone had to go. I wish it wasn’t me, but it was. You’ve just got to take it. I came back, and things have been going good for me lately.”"

Michael Mauti will act as Audie Cole’s backup for this game.  Hopefully, they can help bring home another win for the Vikings.