The Minnesota Vikings seem to be improving in terms of health as they emerge from their bye week.
On Monday, the team activated guard to return to practice.
The 29-year-old has been out since the beginning of training camp due to a back injury that placed him on injured reserve when the initial 53-man roster was finalized. With his return to practice, the Vikings now have 21 days to move him off IR and onto the active roster.
This comes 10 days after tight end T.J. Hockenson returned to practice following his recovery from a torn ACL sustained last season. While Hockenson’s return clearly enhances Minnesota’s passing game, Risner’s presence could also contribute positively.
According to Pro Football Focus, only three guards have given up more pressures this season than Vikings right guard Ed Ingram, who was expected to compete with Risner in training camp before his injury. While Ingram excels in run blocking, he struggles in pass protection and is ranked as the 53rd-best run-blocking guard this season. On the other hand, Risner, who started the last 11 games for Minnesota last year without allowing a sack, still faced 30 pressures. It’s uncertain when Risner and Hockenson will be activated, but Risner seems to be lagging behind Hockenson, making any changes to the offensive line unlikely before the Vikings’ game against the Detroit Lions this weekend. Nevertheless, the Vikings are getting healthier, which bodes well for the 5-0 team in such a competitive division.
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