Reunion Time

With only four receivers on the roster, the Minnesota Vikings were real thin at the position. It got a lot thinner when Chad Beebe left Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders with an ankle injury. An MRI revealed torn ligaments. He's expected to be out at least a couple but more likely a little longer. The Vikings are assuming longer and placed him on injured reserve. He could return to the active roster in eight weeks. Going with three receivers for even a week isn't a viable option. The Vikings needed a receiver now. They found one in a familiar face. Laquon Treadwell. The Vikings' first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft is back. He had been released on cutdown Saturday after a disappointing three years with the team. He had visits with the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions but hadn't signed with a new team. He was waiting for an NFL call and it came from the only NFL team he's ever known. Some fans might be surprised, perhaps even upset, but the reunion makes a lot of sense. Treadwell knows the offense, his teammates, and the coaches. He's ready to play now. He can be on the field in Chicago, his hometown, on Sunday. He still has the talent that made him a first round pick. Maybe he can hit restart and everything will click a little better in this reunion with the Vikings.

Beebe wasn't just one of four receivers. He was also the punt returner. His move from active roster to injured reserve forced the team to find two players. The second is another familiar face. Marcus Sherels is back. He was the Vikings' punt returner from 2010-18. He handled the role so well that he's considered by most to be the best punt returner in franchise history. He had signed with the New Orleans Saints in the offseason but was released in the summer with an injury settlement. He's healthy now. As with Treadwell, he was looking for that next NFL call.  The Vikings might've been thinking about Sherels even if an injury hadn't forced them the reunion. Beebe had mishandled punts in consecutive games.

To make room for the new old Vikings, Beebe was placed on injured reserve and linebacker Devante Downs was released. Unless he gets attention from other teams, I'm hoping that Downs will soon be added to the practice squad. It's nice having a promising former Cal player on the Vikings.

Welcome back Laquon Treadwell. Forget about the first three years and take advantage of this one. Welcome back Marcus Sherels. Just keep doing what you've always done.