David Chao, MD
2 min read • August 05, 2022
Posted in
2021 record: 8-9 | 2022 FanDuel O/U win total: 9.5
The Vikings narrowly missed the playoffs for the second year in a row in 2021 and responded by replacing Mike Zimmer with former Rams’ coordinator Kevin O’Connell, who will preside over one of the most efficient offenses in the league.
O’Connell also takes over a roster that is among the healthiest in the league, and the second-healthiest in the Division, with an SIC score of 93.1.
Kirk Cousins signed another extension with the Vikings following a pro-bowl season in 2021 and remains at risk of absence due to his unvaccinated status.
His blindside blocker, Christian Darrisaw, will come in much healthier in his second season after missing six games in 2021, four coming after he underwent surgery in August to address a lingering groin injury.
Star running back Dalvin Cook and veteran wideout Adam Thielen both missed time with significant injuries but opened camp as full participants.
Thielen aggravated a high-ankle sprain in Week 16 and didn’t return, while Cook missed four games with a variety of ailments including a dislocated shoulder and torn labrum in Week 12.
Tight end Irv Smith Jr., who was projected as a breakout candidate in 2021, returns after missing the entire season with a torn meniscus.
On defense, edge-rusher Danielle Hunter suffered a season-ending torn pectoral muscle in Week 7. He has played in only seven games since his All-Pro 2019 season because of the pectoral injury and a herniated disc in his neck.
Thielen has become a touchdown merchant in the two years playing with Justin Jefferson, hauling in 24 scores on a sky-high 17% touchdown rate.
The former undrafted receiver out of Minnesota State will be fully healed from his late-season high ankle sprain, according to the Pro Football Docs, and in a place to produce once again.
Cook has been through the injury ringer in his five-year career but has persevered as one of the most productive running backs in the league.
The Pro Football Docs say that Cook is clear of his 2021 shoulder injury – the fifth between both shoulders in the last decade – but can be counted to miss pockets of time if he continues to rack up 20-plus touches a game because of his aggressive style.
The elite athlete was tabbed as the starting tight end heading into 2021 when he suffered a torn meniscus and underwent season-ending surgery.
The Pro Football Docs carry a healthy concern for Smith Jr. because his recovery took nine months, much longer than the normal 4-to-5 month timeline, and meniscus injuries can be fickle and re-occurring due to the lack of blood flow.
Smith also recently underwent surgery for a thumb injury, likely a torn UCL. The Pro Football Docs believe he has a solid chance to return for Week 1.
Written by David Chao, MD
