2 Vikings Appear on Thursday’s Injury Report

Training Camp Report Dates
Jun 11, 2019; Eagan, MN, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the field at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports

On Wednesday’s initial Week 1 injury report for the Vikings, the team was relatively unscathed with only LB Troy Dye being listed with an elbow injury.

Despite the injury, Dye was able to be a full participant in Wednesday’s practice and seems to be on track to play on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Thursday’s injury report saw another thin group of injured players, but there were 2 Vikings on this list. Once again, Dye was listed with his elbow injury, but in addition, punter Ryan Wright was listed with an ankle injury. Both were full participants.

2 Vikings Listed on Thursday’s Injury Report

2 Vikings Appear on Thursday's Injury Report
Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings punter Ryan Wright (14) reacts after throwing an incomplete pass on fourth down during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings still have plenty of players at the linebacker position, such as Jordan Hicks, Brian Asamoah, and Ivan Pace. So, even if Dye were to miss Sunday’s game, Minnesota still has plenty of options at the position on their depth chart.

However, Wright’s presence on the injury report is a tad more notable. Not only do the Vikings not have another punter on the roster, but an ankle injury is one that could be rather impactful for a player at that position.

Oct 2, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings punter Ryan Wright. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports.

Regardless, neither injury seem to be all that serious if both players are still able to practice at full capacity.

During Wright’s rookie season of 2022, he emerged as one of the best punters in the entire NFL. The undrafted free agent out of Tulane booted 73 punts over the course of the season, and 32 of them landed inside the 20-yard-line.

Only once did a Wright punt result in a touchback, and he averaged 42.3 net yards per punt. This average ranked 11th in the entire league. He was the only player to punt 60+ times over the course of the season without multiple touchbacks.

Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings punter Ryan Wright (14) reacts after throwing an incomplete pass on fourth down during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

As for Dye, he is currently the LB4 on Minnesota’s depth chart and is set to enter the final season of his rookie contract. After being drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he has amassed 63 tackles and a pair of pass defenses while largely playing on the special teams.

Hopefully, both players will be able to suit up when Sunday rolls around. Kickoff between the Vikings and Buccaneers is scheduled for 12 PM on September 10th inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.

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