The First Week 1 Injury Report Is Very Clean for the Vikings
Week 1 of the NFL regular season is upon us, and thus, the Vikings announced their first injury report of the season ahead of their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kevin O’Connell spoke to the media on Wednesday and revealed the injury report early on.
O’Connell stated that there would only be one player on this initial report: LB Troy Dye. “Troy Dye will be the only player we will list on the injury report with an elbow, but he will be a full participant and expect him, barring any setbacks to participate in the game on Sunday,” O’Connell said.
First Vikings Injury Report Only Lists LB Troy Dye
This is notable for a couple reasons. First and foremost, it means that the injuries we saw throughout training camp for players like Brian Asamoah and Jalen Nailor are now in the rearview mirror.
Additionally, this means that right tackle Brian O’Neill is also fully healthy heading into the regular season after his partial Achilles tear back in January. There were hints of this being the case on yesterday’s depth chart, but the injury report officially confirms that O’Neill will be playing on Sunday.
O’Neill’s presence on the offensive line provides a huge boost at the right tackle spot, particularly against a stout defense like the one that Tampa Bay features. The Buccaneers were a terrific unit last year, particularly against the pass.
The Buccaneers finished among the top 10 in total yards allowed, yards per play allowed, passing yards allowed, and sacks. With capable pass-rushers like Joe Tryon, Shaquill Barrett, and Vita Vea on that side of the ball, Minnesota needs all hands on deck across their o-line this weekend.
As of now, the Buccaneers have not released their first injury report of the week. When that happens later today, we will have another update on their injuries ahead of Week 1.
Kickoff between the Vikings and Buccaneers is scheduled for 12 PM on Sunday, 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.