Playing Todd Gurley and the Rams without starting linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks doesn’t seem like it would be a lot of fun for the Vikings.
But this grim prospect is exactly what the Vikings face after Barr and Kendricks both missed a second straight day of practice.
Media reports say the two young linebackers both spent Thursday’s practice watching from the sidelines. Both players also missed Wednesday’s practice.
Kendricks is reportedly dealing with a rib injury while Barr has a lower back problem.
When asked about the situation, Mike Zimmer went with the old “next man up” routine (via ESPN):
"“We play with the next guy that’s there if they don’t make it,” Zimmer said. “If they do make it, that’s good.”"
The next guy there for Minnesota would presumably be Brandon Watts or Edmond Robinson at Anthony Barr’s Sam linebacker position and Audie Cole at the Mike.
Good old Chad Greenway would likely see more snaps in the nickel just by virtue of having the most experience.
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Nickel defense isn’t necessarily the big issue vs. St. Louis. The challenge is dealing with Todd Gurley and the Rams running game.
Dynamic rookie Gurley, who keeps getting compared to Adrian Peterson, is currently averaging 6.1 yards-per-carry. The Vikings this year have the no. 15 run defense in the league with Barr and Kendricks as major contributors.
Kendricks is currently the team’s second-leading tackler while Barr is third. Both have been key parts of Mike Zimmer’s A-gap blitz schemes.
Mike Zimmer can downplay the significance of maybe not having his two best linebackers on the field against one of the league’s best runners, but I say it’s a big deal.
With Barr and Kendricks, the Vikings have begun developing one the NFL’s most exciting defenses.
Without those two guys? Not a lot of fun. Nothing against Audie Cole and Brandon Watts.