A Deep Dive into the Minnesota Vikings’ Roster Adjustments and the Challenges Faced by the Green Bay Packers…
The Minnesota Vikings, grappling with a multitude of injuries throughout the season, have faced yet another setback as they approach Week 17. With an extensive injury report featuring 12 players dealing with various issues, the Vikings have opted to bolster their roster by signing four-time Pro Bowler Anthony Barr from the practice squad for their crucial showdown against their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
The official announcement, made via the team’s social media handle, confirmed Barr’s return to the active roster. Originally drafted as the No. 9 overall pick by the Vikings in 2014, Barr spent nine seasons with the team before venturing into free agency in 2022 and joining the Dallas Cowboys. His lone season in Dallas saw him amass 58 combined tackles, two fumble recoveries, and one sack in 14 games, starting 10 of them. In November, Barr rejoined the Vikings, initially on the practice squad, and this will mark his third game back with the main roster.
Barr’s recent contributions include 26 total snaps in his two previous outings, yielding one tackle and a fumble recovery against the Chicago Bears in Week 12. The Vikings’ decision to promote Barr comes within the constraints of practice squad rules, allowing a maximum of three elevations before a player must be signed to the active roster.
With T.J. Hockenson and DJ Wonnum placed on injured reserve, the Vikings had available roster spots, and Barr’s addition aims to address the team’s pressing needs, especially with linebacker Troy Dye listed as questionable due to a wrist injury.
Anthony Barr, who returned to Minnesota on a one-year, $1.2 million contract, was once a cornerstone player, earning four Pro Bowl selections and signing a lucrative four-year, $67 million contract during his peak. However, injuries played a role in his decline, leading to his departure from the team. Despite the challenges, Barr remains a valuable contributor, and the Vikings are banking on his experience as they strive to secure a playoff berth.
.@NoExcuses_23 and @AnthonyBarr team up for the MASSIVE play.
📺: @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/e4ZIWVHzX7
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 28, 2023
In addition to Barr, the Vikings have also re-signed linebacker Nick Vigil to the practice squad. Vigil, who previously played for the Vikings in 2021 and started 12 games, has featured in six games this season. Although waived on December 23, the team’s open roster spot following Barr’s elevation allowed them to bring back Vigil, who signed a one-year, $370,000 contract.
Both the Vikings and the Packers head into their divisional showdown with significant injury concerns. The Vikings will be without key players such as cornerback Byron Murphy and wide receiver Jalen Nailor, while the Packers face a more extensive list of injuries, with nine players carrying questionable or worse designations.
Notably, linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, tight end Luke Musgrave, and wide receiver Christian Watson are doubtful for the game. The Packers have also suspended top cornerback Jaire Alexander for conduct detrimental to the team, further complicating their situation.
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