4 players whose time with the 2020 Vikings won’t be remembered

George Iloka – S (Second Stint)

George Iloka was first signed by the Vikings back in 2018. He was reunited with his former coach, Mike Zimmer and many figured he’d find success playing in a familiar system.

Iloka was a flop in Minnesota, playing primarily on special teams and making just 16 tackles. He wasn’t shy to publicly state his displeasure with his role on the team, and there were clearly some hard feelings from the defensive back after he left.

Since his first stint with the team ended on a sour note, it was surprising that he agreed to come back to Minnesota in the fall of 2020.

The Vikings cut every safety they had on the roster besides Anthony Harris and Harrison Smith, so they needed some depth. They signed Iloka to the practice squad and eventually promoted him to the active roster a few weeks later.

Iloka was forced into action during the fourth game of the season against the Houston Texans when Harrison Smtih was ejected. The Vikings had the game in hand, but then the Texans began targeting Iloka and found whoever he was covering wide open just about every time.

Houston fought their way back in the game, but luckily Minnesota was able to hold on for the win. Turns out Iloka hadn’t even practiced playing safety that week and he was pretty much playing a new position.

Iloka’s second run with the team would end just a few weeks later, as he was hurt and put on injured reserve. In the future, many fans will remember Iloka playing for the Vikings, but chances are low they’ll remember he actually did it twice.