A Promising Punt Returner Option for the Vikings
Josh Frey
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NFL teams must have their rosters trimmed from 80 players to 53 by this afternoon at 4 PM Eastern, and with that deadline fast approaching, teams have already begun making moves. One such move could be a direct beneficiary of the Vikings as the team decides what they want to do at their punt returner position. Their division rivals, the Detroit Lions, have cut WR Kalil Pimpleton.
Pimpleton was known at Central Michigan for terrific speed as a receiver. In three years with the Chippewas, he recorded 170 receptions for 2131 yards and 12 touchdowns, but as a punt returner was where he was most prolific. During those years, he returned 48 punts for 567 yards. Specifically in 2021, the junior had 16 punt returns for 304 yards, averaging an astounding 19 yards per return on the season. He also took two punts to the house for touchdowns.
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In recent years, the Vikings have struggled to find consistency at the punt returner spot. In 2020, Minnesota ranked dead last in yards per return, averaging 4.3 yards. 2021 was slightly better at 7.6 yards per punt return, but this still ranked 11th-worst in the league.
Thus far into 2022, the Vikings have not seemed to find a surefire option despite having a number of players that hypothetically could take over the role. Albert Wilson originally looked like a special teams guy when Minnesota brought him in, but he was cut last week. Neither of Ihmir Smith-Marsette or Jalen Nailor have been consistent in the preseason at this position, either.
Especially considering Bisi Johnson’s ACL tear opens up a roster spot on the team, Kalil Pimpleton could be a stabilizing force as a punt returner. Additionally, Pimpleton’s speed could turn him into an intriguing deep threat on the offense if Minnesota gave him a chance there. In three preseason games, he had nine receptions for 69 yards. The Vikings would be wise to give the UDFA a look.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing as well as minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh can often be found training for a marathon, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his takes, NFL and otherwise, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken