Casey Matthews: Vikings LB placed on season-ending IR

It was over before it began for linebacker Casey Matthews.

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Signed by the Vikings as a free agent in March of this year, Matthews on Sunday was placed on injured reserve with a bad hip. What would have been Matthews’ first season with the Vikings thus has ended.

The 26-year-old Matthews was a 4th round draft pick by the Eagles in 2011. He lasted just a few games as a starter his rookie season before being benched.

After three more mostly nondescript years in Philadelphia, Matthews was allowed to walk as a free agent. The Vikings took a chance on him this year in hopes he might provide some veteran depth at linebacker and contribute on special teams.

Mike Zimmer initially became familiar with Matthews when coaching at the Senior Bowl back in the day (via Vikings.com):

"“I was fortunate enough to have Coach Zimmer coach me in the Senior Bowl, so that was my first opportunity to get to know him and what type of defense he runs,” Matthews said. “I’m just looking forward to being part of it. He’s highly respected around the league, and former players who have played for him have said they enjoyed playing for him, that he’s intense but will tell you like it is and he’s likable.”"

Matthews played his college ball at Oregon where he won second-team All-American honors in 2010. His NFL career numbers include 113 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and 1 forced fumble.

Casey is the brother of Packers LB Clay Matthews and the son of former Browns LB Clay Matthews Jr. Needless to say, his career has not worked out quite as well as those of his famed sibling and father.

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