The Minnesota Vikings have spent the most of the season adjusting to injuries; they can expect no different in Week 17.
In order to combat the 12-deep injury report of players dealing with injuries, the Vikings welcomed back a well-known player for their Week 17 matchup with the NFC North foe Green Bay Packers.
The official statement from the team’s handle on X, formerly Twitter, on December 29 said, “The #Vikings have signed Anthony Barr from the practice squad to the active roster.”
The Vikings selected Barr with the ninth overall choice in the 2014 draft.
Before signing a free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, he played for the franchise for nine seasons. In his one and only season in Dallas, Barr racked up 58 total tackles, two fumble recoveries, and one sack. Additionally, he started 10 of his 14 games.
In November, the adaptable 6-foot-5 linebacker rejoined the practice squad of the Vikings.
His third game back with the main club will be this one. In his last two games, he has recorded a total of 26 snaps. Though he did recover a fumble by Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields in Week 12, he only has one tackle.
Barr was the final remaining call-up available to the Vikings.
Draft Kings states that players on the practice squad may be promoted up to three times before being required to go on to the active roster. Barr would have had a contract on the active roster regardless of a fourth elevation. The Vikings have just omitted a step.
Following the placement of DJ Wonnum and T.J. Hockenson on injured reserve, they had available roster places. The arrival of Barr coincides with the injury report of 12 players, including linebacker Troy Dye (questionable, wrist).
Barr signed a $1.2 million, one-year contract to return to Minnesota. But Barr signed a four-year, $67 million contract at the height of his career, which featured four visits to the Pro Bowl. His deterioration and eventual departure from Minnesota were partly caused by injuries.
He can still have an impact, though, and the Vikings need all the support they can get if they want to contend for the postseason.
Vikings Add Experienced LB Back to Practice Squad
“LB Nick Vigil has signed to the practice squad,” the tweet went on to say.
During his time with the Vikings in 2021, Vigil started 12 of his 16 games. Having signed in the offseason, he joined the Vikings practice squad in October and has participated in six games with the team this season. Throughout his special teams snaps, he has logged one tackle.
On December 23, the Vikings waived him. Barr, however, had a spot available to return after being added to the 53-man roster.
Vigil inked a $370,000 contract for a single year.
Before their divisional matchup, the Vikings and Packers were tied.
The starting cornerback Byron Murphy, wide receiver Jalen Nailor, and reserve linebackers Theo Jackson and Jaquelin Roy are all out for the Vikings. Murphy’s prolonged absence is noteworthy since Mekhi Blackmon, another cornerback, is dubious.
The same goes for Nailor, as No. 1 option Justin Jefferson has struggled with injuries this season, while fellow wideout Jordan Addison is doubtful due to an ankle injury.
The Packers are in even worse shape.
Of the 16 players on their report, nine are rated as doubtful or worse going into the game. The three players who are most likely to be doubtful for the game are wide receiver Christian Watson, tight end Luke Musgrave, and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell.
Jaire Alexander, the starting cornerback for the Packers, was also suspended for negative behavior toward the club when he took part in the coin toss prior to kickoff in Week 16 without being selected as captain.
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