The Time Is Now for One Vikings Rookie

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Injuries create opportunities. The Minnesota Vikings will be without edge rusher Patrick Jones this week, meaning the time is now for one Vikings rookie. There has been plenty of discussion regarding Dallas Turner’s involvement and contribution this season, and with the biggest game of the season — so far — upon us, Jones’s Injury moves Turner up to OLB3 on the depth chart.

The Time Is Now for One Vikings Rookie

In recent weeks, Turner’s defensive snap count has steadily been around 25, greatly improved on the 3 and 4 defensive snaps he had in Week 7 and 8 that caused panic in some sections of the Vikings media and fanbase. Turner was almost just a spectator in the first meeting with the Lions in Week 7, with just 4 snaps played and nothing meaningful to show on the stat sheet.

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Brian Flores moves his guys around, so it won’t be as simple as Turner stepping in where Jones would be every time, but the rookie should be looking at a reasonable workload around the 30 snaps mark, at least. Turner has started to influence games with 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, and an interception in the last three games. It would be the perfect timing for him to show he’s figured things out and have a real breakout game.

Kevin O’Connell stated earlier in the week that Jones might be ok for this week but that didn’t happen. Jones didn’t log a single practice all week. It remains to be seen when he will be available again as he recovers from the knee injury caused by a cut block in last week’s game against Green Bay.

Excited to Go

Coach O’Connell has been steadfast in his optimism for Turner all season and was no different when questioned this week. “I expect [Turner] to be flying around,” O’Connell said. “Probably excited to go. He’s played in some big games before, so this will be nothing to him.” There is always pressure on first-round draft picks to deliver immediately, but sometimes it takes time. Making an impact in the games left in this season would rewrite the narrative of Turner’s rookie season.

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Turner gets his chance to be the next man up behind Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. The two veteran edge rushers who signed for Minnesota in free agency are clear at the top of the depth chart. Both have enjoyed excellent first years in Minnesota, seeing both men selected for the Pro Bowl. The fact that Turner has spent his rookie season behind those two should not be seen to his detriment. The expectation that he would supplant was a more realistic goal and one he has not yet managed.

With Jones out of contract at the end of the season, Turner has the perfect opportunity to show he is ready to take on his role full-time. The Vikings can allow Jones to leave in free agency as they look to strengthen weaker areas of the roster. Of course, Turner needs to step up.

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It’s a big game for both teams on Sunday night, but on a personal level, it could be pivotal in Turner’s career.