Minnesota Vikings Lose Another Player

When the Minnesota Vikings signed edge rusher Marcus Davenport last March, they hoped that he’d left in New Orleans the injuries that plagued his five years in the league. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. Just before the start of the season, Davenport “tweaked” his right ankle in practice. That kept him out of all but four snaps of the first three games. When he returned to the lineup in Week 4, he was everything on the field the Vikings hoped he’d be. Danielle Hunter has been a force all season. He was especially impactful when Davenport joined him on the Vikings defensive front. Offenses were forced to deal with two disruptive pass rushers. It lasted for nearly three games. Davenport injured his left ankle on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Reportedly a high ankle sprain, this injury is more significant than the first. The Vikings placed him on injured reserve yesterday. He’s out for at least four weeks. 

It again becomes a collective pass rushing effort for the Vikings. Hunter will continue ripping up the league. D.J. Wonnum, Patrick Jones II, and Andre Carter II will provide assistance. Wonnum, in particular, has picked up his play in recent weeks. Hopefully, he can play against the rest of the league like he does against the Bears. He clearly enjoys playing against the Bears. Luiji Vilain and Benton Whitley provide further pass rushing depth on the practice squad. The edge rushers are hardly the only pass rushers in Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy defense. The Vikings must find a way, beyond the great play of Hunter, to make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable. Hopefully, Davenport can return soon after the four weeks. 

To take Davenport’s place on the roster, running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu (back) was activated from injured reserve. He’s expected to return to his role as kick returner on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. Perhaps, he’ll also provide a change of pace from the offensive backfield. 

After waiving receiver Trishton Jackson earlier this week, the Vikings have an open roster spot. Receiver Jalen Nailor could take that spot. A hamstring injury wrecked a promising training camp and put him on injured reserve to start the season. He was designated for return yesterday. With all-everything receiver Justin Jefferson entering his second week on injured reserve, Nailor would be a welcome addition to the field. He impressed throughout offseason workouts and into training camp. If he can return to that level of performance, he’s one of the Vikings top three available receivers. As for Trishton Jackson, he wasn’t on the streets for long. He returned to the practice squad yesterday. 

Here’s to a smooth and complete return to the field for Marcus Davenport.