Signs Point to Lewis Cine Missing the Vikings Season Opener

Jul 27, 2022; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine (6) performs a drill at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Over the past couple weeks, Lewis Cine has been battling through a knee injury in practice as well as the final preseason game against the Denver Broncos. After he did not appear on Wednesday’s initial injury report, it seemed he was in the clear, but that optimism was short-lived. He found his way back onto Thursday’s report, and he remained there through Friday’s practice. Then on Saturday, the Vikings activated Myles Dorn from the practice squad.

With the activation of their 2021 UDFA, it appears that the writing is on the wall that the Vikings 2022 first round pick will miss the first game of Minnesota’s season. The Vikings take on the Green Bay Packers tomorrow afternoon, meaning it likely means “all hands on deck” as they attempt to slow down Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense.

They may get a little bit of a break as Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard is also listed as doubtful for tomorrow’s game. Lazard is coming off a 2021 season where he started 13 games and recorded career-highs in receptions (40), receiving yards (513), and touchdowns (8). That said, the Packers have two promising receivers in Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs who make their NFL debuts tomorrow.

Luckily for Minnesota, Cine appears to be the only concerning injury for Minnesota heading into the game. The injury report has been squeaky clean all week other than Jonathan Bullard, who has been limited in practice with a bicep injury. Alexander Mattison also appeared on the report, but he never actually had an injury. He missed practice due to “personal reasons”, although he projects to play against Green Bay.

Lewis Cine missing this game for the Vikings certainly would be a disappointment for the rookie, especially after coming off a strong training camp and preseason. That said, the Vikings have capable players at safety in Cam Bynum and Harrison Smith. Additionally, Dorn showed big flashes throughout the preseason in pass coverage. Better to heal the injury now so that he’s ready to go down the road rather than risk throwing him out there in Week 1.


Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho. He graduated 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‘s hobbies include training for a marathon, playing video games, and rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his takes, NFL and otherwise, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken

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