Two Vikings Combine to Clear 500 Pounds; Both Inch Closer to Getting onto the Field
Go ahead and combine two Vikings. What would Minnesota be adding?
Well, fullback C.J. Ham is built like a bowling ball, capable of rolling down the defensive lane and knocking down pins along the way. The veteran comes in at a very sturdy 5’11” and 250 pounds. Meanwhile, edge rusher Tyler Batty is working back from injury, as well. The monstrous rookie is listed at 6’6″ and 271 pounds. Does the added muscle make a difference if one or both can play in Week 5?
Two Vikings See Return Get Closer
Lindsey Young from the team’s website clarified the news.
“The Vikings opened C.J. Ham and Tyler Batty’s 21-day practice window Wednesday, the team announced,” Young explains. She goes on: “Ham and Batty started the season on Injured Reserve/Designated to Return due to respective knee injuries. The fullback and outside linebacker traveled with the Vikings for their back-to-back International Series games against the Steelers and Browns.”
In other words, the Vikings have turned over the hourglass. There are 21 days to activate the players off of the IR. That could be done as soon as Week 5 since both travelled across the ocean alongside their teammates.
The Vikings writer then relayed the words from the head coach about when to expect these players to return.
Go ahead and ask Coach O’Connell. What would he say? Check it out: “When their return would be, I don’t know. It could be as early as this weekend. It could be at any point in time during that 21 days.”
O’Connell, in other words, isn’t willing to tip his hand. Some gamesmanship, perhaps, as the Vikings prepare for what’s ahead in Week 5. Can you blame the top coach?
Coming off a poor effort versus Pittsburgh in Week 4, the Vikings are desperate for a win in Week 5. Snagging the victory would mean sitting at a respectable 3-2. No reason to throw a parade, but a winning record to rally around over the bye while getting healthy.
In contrast, a loss means venturing into the week off with a losing record. A team that’s at a humdrum 2-3 after the opening five games isn’t a reason to give up. There would nevertheless be reason for concern, especially when partnered with the quarterback struggles and the long list of injuries.
Bringing C.J. Ham and Tyler Batty back into the mix wouldn’t cure all that ails the Vikings. They could still help, though.
Just Mr. Ham would be a nice boost. No, there won’t be any confusion about whether Ham is the NFL’s fastest playmaker, but he is a piece of the puzzle. The sturdy fullback can handle pass blocking responsibilities, making both the offensive line and quarterback look better in the process. He can even snag the occasional pass or two.
Batty, meanwhile, is largely unproven. The intrigue rests in his capacity to get plugged into a defensive line that sometimes cedes too much ground on the ground. Put differently, a defense that needs further help when stopping the run.
Like with C.J. Ham, Tyler Batty isn’t going to be the silver bullet. Minnesota has kept them within the team’s orbit for a reason, though. With Ham especially, the Vikings would be welcoming back a rugged leader who can help the offense and specials to shine.
Note that shuffling one or both of these players off of the IR and back onto the 53-man roster would mean trimming a player somewhere else (similar to the receiver goodbye for the lineman signing). Who gets subtracted remains to be seen; simply be aware that a 53-man roster is a zero-sum game. Every add requires a subtraction.
Kickoff for the Week 5 game takes place at 8:30 a.m. CT on Sunday, October 5th.
