Minnesota Vikings: Joseph earns honor, Robinson activated
The Minnesota Vikings have officially begun preparation for their Week 10 matchup against the Oakland Raiders, a matchup in which they have opened as 2.5-point underdogs despite owning a 6-2 record and leading the NFC North compared to Oakland’s 4-4 record.
Nonetheless, today included some interesting news bits in Vikings world. First and foremost, Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his Week 9 performance against the St. Louis Rams, a game the Vikings won 21-18 in overtime. Joseph was a problem for the St. Louis offensive line all game long, recording 10 tackles (three for loss), 0.5 sacks, and two quarterback pressures. Joseph’s 10 total tackles is tied for the most in any game by a defensive tackle this season.
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According to this release from Vikings.com, Joseph becomes the fourth Vikings defensive tackle to win NFC Defensive Player of the Week and the first since 2004. The other three include Keith Millard (10/8/89), John Randle (six times) and Kevin Williams (11/28/04).
You really can’t say enough about the kind of season Joseph is having for the Vikings. He’s arguably been their most valuable player on defense this season, wreaking havoc in opposing offensive backfields constantly. For the pro-analytics readers, Pro Football Focus named Joseph to their midseason All-Pro first team.
In other Vikings news, cornerback Josh Robinson was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list to the 53-man active roster. To make room for Robinson, tight end Chase Ford was waived from the roster. Robinson posted 40 tackles and three interceptions last season.
It will certainly be interesting to see what kind of role Robinson fills for the Vikings this Sunday, as Minnesota appears comfortable with riding the group of Xavier Rhodes, Terence Newman, Captain Munnerlyn and Trae Waynes.
In some pretty relevant injury news, Teddy Bridgewater cleared his concussion protocol and was practiced today (Wednesday). All signs point to him starting for the Vikings on Sunday. Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune tweeted some other injury info.
Teddy B cleared and practicing. Barr not practicing. Floyd, Newman, Kendricks all in pads
— Mark Craig (@markcraignfl) November 11, 2015
It’s really nice to see Sharrif Floyd back in pads, as with Eric Kendricks and Terence Newman. Getting Floyd back would only make the defensive more of a terror than it already is. The Vikings are also suddenly very thin at linebacker, so Kendricks playing this Sunday would be a tremendous boost there. However, Anthony Barr missing practice is also a concern. That will be something to monitor throughout the rest of the week.
Next: Jeff Fisher gives Mike Zimmer advice
Continue to check with Sporting Sota throughout the week for Minnesota Vikings coverage, including a preview of Sunday’s tilt with the Raiders.