The Vikings’ Injury Update Leaves Team with One Hand Tied Behind its Back
Most boxers prefer to be capable of throwing punches with both hands. In Dublin, the Vikings won’t be able to do so.
The Vikings’ injury update arrived on Friday, confirming that star edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel would indeed be out. Jonathan Greenard will maintain his spot as the EDGE1 while Dallas Turner continues functioning as the EDGE2. Is that going to be a potent enough pair to land the knockout punch on Mike Tomlin’s Steelers?
The Vikings’ Injury Update in Week 4
Take Aaron Rodgers out for coffee. Over some caffeine, ask the Hall of Fame passer about what Van Ginkel is capable of doing.
Very good chance, folks, that Rodgers ventures back in time to the 2024 season. In London, Rodgers attempted to combat the threat of quick pressure from the Vikings by throwing a short pass. Van Ginkel backed off the line of scrimmage before the snap, getting his eyes onto the passer before getting his mitts onto the football. The edge rusher brought the interception back for a touchdown.
Combined with Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel forms one of the most fearsome pass rusher duos in the NFL.
Mr. Greenard is a powerful, rugged pass rusher who plays with great intensity and effort. He understands the game at a high level and offers excellent leadership. Greenard is, in short, a fantastic EDGE1.
Mr. Van Ginkel is a fantastic athlete who clearly spends a lot of time studying film. Those two things — athleticism and preparation — combine to make him a menace on the field. He can pin his ears back or step back to pick off a pass.
Minnesota’s adjustment is going to involve leaning on Turner for more playing time. The sophomore has had strong moments in 2025 but he’s still improving his game. To my eye, Turner could prove sturdier in run defense, doing a better job of setting the edge at times.
Also missing for the Vikings are J.J. McCarthy, Donovan Jackson, and Ben Yurosek. Accordingly, the pivot will be toward leaning on Carson Wentz, Blake Brandel, and Nick Vannett.
The Steelers and Vikings are entering the game sitting on 2-1 records. Neither team could define a 2-2 beginning of the season as a disaster, but ascending to 3-1 would obviously feel much better. We’ll see if Minnesota has what it takes to snag the trio of wins in September alone after kickoff takes place on Sunday, September 28th.
