The View from VT: A Pile of Purple Injuries, Needing a New RB, & a Rookie’s Chance to Shine

Oct 23, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (31) runs with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings Territory works in partnership with PurplePTSD, similarly doing their utmost to put forth excellent Minnesota Vikings content. As a result, we occasionally promote what they have to offer in “The View from VT,” a weekly piece. Take a look at five of their articles from the past week.

The View from VT: November 11th, 2023

1) All Eyes Turn to Vikings (Large) Injury Report: Minnesota left Atlanta with a victory and more than a few new entrants into the infirmary. Josh Dobbs is taking over for Jaren Hall, something we witnessed for most of the Falcons game. And, of course, there’s also the absence of K.J. Osborn and Cam Akers. Plus, T.J. Hockenson is working through a rib injury. Christian Darrisaw is working through a groin injury, Jalen Nailor hasn’t come off the bench yet, and … well, you get the point.

NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) tackles Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) during the second quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

2) Big-Name Reinforcements on the Way for Vikings: Some would say that they aren’t arriving fast enough. Justin Jefferson is the name that’s on everyone’s mind. Earlier in the week, Jefferson confirmed that he fully intends on being back in 2023, but an appearance in the Saints game isn’t likely. More realistic, perhaps, is a boost from Jalen Nailor.

3) Vikings Will Need a New RB: There was a reason why Cam Akers got brought to Minnesota. The former Ram has a connection to Kevin O’Connell, yes, but the appeal goes beyond just familiarity. He regularly showed off some good burst in his legs and was making a case for taking over the RB1 crown.

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (31) catches a pass in the second half as Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) closes in to defend at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

4) Vikings Might Rely on a Rookie Going Forward: Losing Akers means the team will need to look inward or outward for help. For a little while, DeWayne McBride was inspiring plenty of optimism in Minnesota. He then put together an underwhelming preseason and has lived on the practice squad ever since. We’ll see if the UAB alumnus will get worked into the lineup.

5) Recently Traded Viking Lives on the Bench: Before long, Ezra Cleveland is going to get his chance within the Jaguars offense. The still-young offensive lineman has the capacity to provide strong play both now and in the future, meaning he has a shot at being one of Trevor Lawrence’s protectors for years to come.

Sep 19, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Ezra Cleveland (72) blocks Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (97) at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Enjoy the extra reading, Minnesota Vikings fans.


K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.

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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]purpleptsd[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.