The Minnesota Vikings have been working hard to replenish their pass rush after losing Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, and D.J. Wonnum in free agency. The team acted fast, signing Texans breakout defender Jonathan Greenard and Dolphins standout Andrew Van Ginkel.
Minnesota doubled down on desire to bolster their pass rush at the 2024 NFL Draft by executing a surprising trade with the New York Jets to select Alabama edge defender Dallas Turner at No. 17 overall.
With training camp in full swing, players are attempting to prepare for the upcoming season. This allows the Vikings to work with players dealing with ailments and give them time to heal and learn the new system.
New Vikings defender took giant step in recovery progress on Saturday
It hasn't been a secret that Van Ginkel has been dealing with a foot ailment he suffered in last year's season finale. He continues to work toward being ready for action and the 29 year old Iowa native took a big step toward being ready for action on Saturday.
In an article by Will Ragatz on the Sports Illustrated website recapping Day 4 of Minnesota Vikings training camp, it was shared that Van Ginkel participated in 11-on-11 action for the first time since putting on a purple and gold jersey.
Having the former fifth-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in the 2019 NFL Draft available for the start of the 2024 season would be big for a team looking to find success as an aggressive defense under coordinator Brian Flores.
Last season, Van Ginkel registered career-high numbers in passes defended, defensive touchdowns, and quarterback sacks while starting 11 games for the Dolphins last season and could continue that momentum in Minnesota.
A South Dakota, Iowa Western, and Wisconsin collegiate defender raised in Iowa, Van Ginkel is no stranger to the Midwest. The six-foot-four edge rusher has a nose for the football and could be a valuable signing for the Vikings this offseason.
If he can be ready for action when Minnesota opens their season against the New York Giants, the Vikings can be more patient with rookie pass rusher Dallas Turner and not be forced to give him a larger role than he may be ready for.
At a time when most Minnesota Vikings news hasn't been positive, it's nice to hear something good come out of training camp. Hopefully, Andrew Van Ginkel can continue his progress and be ready to make some noise in 2024.