Multiple Vikings suffered injuries in preseason finale that could make a huge impact on 53-man roster while a disturbing trend continues
The NFL somehow continues to miss the most obvious calls with Vikings quarterbacks
The preseason is the proving ground for young players, but it can be their worst nightmare at the same time. The final preseason game is the last chance for players to make a major impression on the coaching staff and front office. Unfortunately, for some players, they end up getting injured.
That happened with multiple Minnesota Vikings in their 23-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans, and it could have a major impact on who makes the final 53-man roster at cutdown day. During the game, four Vikings ended up getting injured with different results. Those injuries could end up making things a little bit complicated for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Minnesota Vikings injuries vs. Tennessee Titans
EDGE Tyler Batty
“Tyler Batty, pretty early there, you know, had a right knee that will evaluate via the MRI,” said head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Whenever you hear a coach say the player is going to have an MRI, it’s usually not a good sign for them. Batty was not on a path to make the roster after an uninspiring preseason, and that could make it difficult for the Vikings to cut him, as you cannot cut an injured player without giving them an injury settlement. If the injury is serious, Batty will end up going on injured reserve.
RB Zavier Scott
Early on in the game, Scott suffered what O’Connell described as a right ankle injury. He didn’t mention how severe it was, but he didn’t return to the game after the injury. Scott finished the game with five carries for 28 yards, and has seemingly earned the RB3 job over Ty Chandler with his entire performance this year.
DT Elijah Williams
This is arguably the most difficult one of the group. During the beginning of the second half, Williams came up lame and ended up leaving the game. It’s a brutal blow for Williams, as he’s arguably had the best training camp of anyone with the Vikings. Could he end up like T.Y. McGill from a few years ago and not make the 53-man roster, but rather get an injury settlement? It’s certainly possible, but if it’s minor, Williams should be a near roster lock.
QB Brett Rypien
This one was the oddest of them all. Rypien was evaluated for a concussion after getting hit on the head, but it didn’t draw a penalty.
“Brett Rypien was evaluated for a concussion, but he returned,” said O’Connell. “That was the play there, where, I believe the interception there, where, you know, he got hit in the head. It was enough to get evaluated for a concussion, but not enough to, you know, maybe draw a penalty on the play.”
It’s wild that this happened once again, as the Vikings had that happen multiple times last season with Sam Darnold, and those ended up giving their opponents nine points. Thankfully, Rypien ended up being okay, but it’s baffling how officials continue to miss it.