Lewis Cine Is Back
Josh Frey
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The transition from college to the NFL can be a difficult one, especially with the pressure of being a first-round pick thrust upon someone. That is what happened to Lewis Cine last year when the Minnesota Vikings selected him with the 32nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
However, his transition was made even more difficult by suffering a severe injury just about a month into his first season. The compound fracture that he suffered in London during a Week 4 game against the New Orleans Saints ended his year right as it seemed like he was beginning to get comfortable.
As a result, it has brought about many questions as to whether or not the first-rounder will be ready to go for the start of 2023, and even if he would be able to play football at all. Well, the safety has been praised all offseason for his work ethic in his rehab, and on Tuesday, he was one of the Vikings practicing at OTAs.
Following the practice, he met with media members to discuss his process of getting back onto the field and where he is at heading into these spring practices. His answer should delight fans.
“I feel like I’ve been going. It’s not like things are being toned down for me anyhow or bit. I’ve just been going like everyone else, and I feel great.”
From videos of him on the practice field and in the training room throughout the offseason, Cine has looked incredibly smooth in his movements for someone that suffered such a severe injury less than eight months ago. That being said, the safety is extremely excited to begin focusing on football rather than his injury.
“We can start talking about football and the defense, that really excites me. No more injury.“
With his progression over the past few months, Cine should be right in the mix for that starting safety spot opposite of Harrison Smith. Cam Bynum’s 2022 season didn’t go quite as smoothly as the flashes shown during his rookie year of 2021, and then there’s also veteran Josh Metellus to account for as well. It will be very interesting to see which safety emerges from the pack this summer.
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.