The Vikings’ Pass Rush May Need to Overcome a Key Player Being Out
In Week 18, Patrick Jones II — third on the Vikings in sacks with 7 — wasn’t able to play. The early word for the Wild Card game isn’t positive for the fourth-year player.
Indeed, the Vikings’ pass rush may need to proceed without the help from Jones. Thursday’s injury report only had a single player who picked up a DNP (did not participate) and it was the edge rusher. Of course, things could improve as the week proceeds, but Jones’ health is something to monitor.
The Vikings’ Pass Rush & Patrick Jones II
The opening game against the Rams involved an inexcusable reality for Minnesota’s defense: not a single sack on Matthew Stafford.
Stafford is a veteran who has seen it all. Rattling him is next to impossible, especially since he’s one of the toughest players in the league (the dude battles). Even still, getting to him early and often makes a difference. Even the NFL’s best QBs can’t be productive if they’re constantly getting walloped.
With 49 sacks, the Vikings come in at a tie for 4th in the NFL. Jonathan Greenard (12 sacks) and Andrew Van Ginkel (11.5 sacks) have proven to be a handful. But, to be sure, there’s no such thing as too many weapons on passing downs.
The 26-year-old Jones stands at 6’4″ and weighs 264 pounds. His size allows Brian Flores to kick him inside with some regularity, offering Minnesota a bit more sizzle than what the normal defensive tackles can offer.
Jones’ season has involved picking up 39 tackles, 7 sacks, 12 QB hits, 9 tackles for loss, and 1 forced fumble. All of those numbers are career highs. He’s in a contract year and Minnesota may opt to move on from the pass rusher given the price he’ll be able to demand on the open market (plus, he was a Rick Spielman pick, so the current leadership may not feel as compelled to keep him around).
Next up on the depth chart are Dallas Turner and Jihad Ward. Both have had noticeable roles in the 2024 season, but neither has had a larger impact than Jones. Of course, that’s not to say that Turner and/or Ward won’t elevate in the playoffs but, rather, an acknowledgement of the reality that Jones earned more highlight plays like sacks and TFLs.
Bo Richter, a rookie who was snagged as an UDFA, could see some work. Gabriel Murphy, another rookie UDFA, could similarly see a handful of snaps if there’s a need for another edge rusher. The key difference is that Richter is on the active roster whereas Murphy would need to be elevated from the practice squad.
The other players on the injury report are running back Aaron Jones (limited), quarterback Sam Darnold (full), corner Fabian Moreau (full), tight end Josh Oliver (full), and defensive tackle Taki Taimani (full).
Due to the fires taking place in Los Angeles, the game will now be played in Arizona.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
The Vikings’ Path Forward with Sam Darnold Rests in Balancing Competing Priorities
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, as a co-host for Notes from the North, and as the proprietor at The Vikings Gazette, a humble Vikings Substack.