The Vikings have had trouble keeping their linebackers healthy so far this year. First it was Chad Greenway missing a couple of games with a bad rib and hand, now it’s Gerald Hodges.
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According to fill-in head coach Norv Turner (who is acting in that capacity Friday while Mike Zimmer undergoes a medical procedure), Hodges’ injury will keep him out of Sunday’s game against the Bills.
Hodges started at Will backer last week in place of Greenway and had an up-and-down game. Hodges at one point was forced to leave with an injured hamstring but he was able to return.
The good side of this story is that it appears Greenway might be back on the field for Sunday anyway. Greenway has missed the last two games but was able to practice this week and is questionable for the Bills game.
Knowing Greenway, if there’s any chance he’s able to play, he will get out there.
Hodges made some nice plays against the Lions in Greenway’s stead, but also had a couple of bad plays including a coverage mess up that allowed Theo Riddick to score an early touchdown.
Hodges flashed some athleticism later when he made a leaping play in coverage to knock down a pass.
All-in-all, Hodges has played well in place of Greenway. I do think at this point that Greenway is a slight downgrade from Hodges, but it’s not a huge gap.