2 min read • August 14, 2021
Posted in
Minnesota Vikings
RB Dalvin Cook -
Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook has been through his share of injuries and although his hard running style leaves him vulnerable to injury, no one can question his toughness. Last year he was ruled out with a groin injury Week 6 after suffering said injury the week before. With any RB and a groin injury, it would be nearly impossible for him to be effective on such short notice; however the Vikings bye came at a great time as it allowed the stud running back to recover and play Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers. He missed the last game of season due to COVID protocols as he left the team to tend to a death in the family. Cook dealt with ankle issues as well but did not miss time. The fantasy football superstar has no issues heading into the 2021 season.
WR Justin Jefferson -
Jefferson, the second year star Vikings wide receiver, landed hard on his left shoulder after attempting a catch in training camp. By limited video from beat reporters, it appears he may have suffered an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder. It does not appear to be a shoulder dislocation, rotator cuff or labral issue which would require an extended stay off the field. Jefferson indeed could miss time this preseason, but at this point we do not think this injury will leak into the regular season. More details will emerge but expect him to be available Week 1 versus the Cincinnati Bengals.
TE Irv Smith -
The up-and-coming tight end was bothered by a groin injury for a good chunk of the season and a back injury which caused him to miss a combined three games. Lumbar spine issues are always a risk for recurrence but on paper he is healthy to start 2021, and is in line for the majority of TE snaps now that Kyle Rudolph is in New York.
OL Christian Darrisaw -
Christian Darrisaw, the Minnesota Vikings' first round draft pick and projected starting left tackle, has yet to see the field in training camp. Reports are that Darrisaw underwent a second core muscle operation, his second in the calendar year. The first procedure was in January of this year and was medically cleared at the combine. The Vikings subsequently drafted him with the 23rd pick overall. He's had recurrent issues and according to head coach Mike Zimmer it has been "one step forward, two steps back." The decision was eventually made to have a second core muscle surgery by the same original surgeon. It is very unusual to need a second core muscle surgery. Typically, when surgery is initially performed they operate on both sides prophylactically. The second surgery is quite unusual for this type of injury. The hope is that the recovery this time becomes standard, but even so, we do not expect Darrisaw to start Week 1 for the Vikings. The early reports are that he could be available Week 1, but we doubt it. We would expect that he misses at least the first few weeks of the season but returning in September as Zimmer indicated seems unlikely. A return in October would be positive news for the Vikings' first round draft pick.
LB Anthony Barr -
The star linebacker missed the majority of the 2020 season after tearing his pectoral muscle. Barr was injured Week 2 after playing 16 snaps and was placed on IR. This type of injury and surgery has a reliable recovery and expect Barr to hit the ground running this season at 100%. The Vikings sorely needed experience last year on their defense and having their longtime OLB back will go a long way.
LB Eric Kendricks -
The stud linebacker suffered a calf injury during pre-game workouts just before the Vikings Week 13 game and was unable to play the final five games of the season. Calf injuries linger during the season but not through an offseason, meaning Kendricks should be fully healthy and ready to contribute as one of the Vikings’ key defenders.
DE Danielle Hunter -
Hunter suffered a disc herniation in neck that caused him to miss the entire season. He has been active in training camp and received praise for his recovery. Although any neck surgery is worrisome, his discectomy and likely single-level fusion has reliable results. Rust after missing all of last season is the main issue, but the Minnesota Vikings should be glad to have their top pass rusher back.
CB Cameron Dantzler -
The rookie corner dealt with multiple injuries in his first year in the NFL. Dantzler suffered a rib injury, a scary looking concussion/neck injury that caused him to leave the field on board and a hamstring issue which caused him to miss a total of five games. Dantzler is expected to fill an expanded role with Mike Hughes leaving, and is starting his sophomore campaign healthy. Dantzler had two picks last year, and will hope to build on those successes in a healthy campaign.
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