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Vikings’ Dalvin Tomlinson in jeopardy of missing first career game due to injury

chris tomasson, pioneer press
·3 min read

Vikings defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson is in jeopardy of missing his first game because of an injury in six NFL seasons.

Tomlinson, who suffered a right calf injury in the third quarter of last Sunday’s 34-26 win over the Arizona Cardinals, sat out of practice Wednesday and it’s uncertain if he will play Sunday at Washington. He has played in 87 of 88 possible NFL games, missing only Minnesota’s Nov. 28, 2021 game at San Francisco while on the COVID-19 reserve list.

“We’re looking at that as week-to-week,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said Wednesday. “We’ll see how he progresses, if he’s able to possibly make the trip with us and maybe be a game-time decision. … With the type of season he’s had, and the impact he’s had on our team, I want to make sure D.T. gets back healthy enough.”

James Lynch, behind Tomlinson on the depth chart, could take his place Sunday. The Vikings also could use Ross Blacklock and Khyris Tonga.

Two other Minnesota players were absent from practice Wednesday, safety Camryn Bynum, who had a personal matter, and wide receiver Jalen Nailor (illness). Edge rusher Za’Darius Smith (knee) and cornerback Cameron Dantzler (neck) were listed as limited.

Hoping tight end returns

The Vikings would welcome getting tight end Irv Smith Jr. back late in the season but it’s not a sure thing. He suffered a high ankle sprain in the fourth quarter against the Cardinals and was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. The Vikings also acquired tight end T.J. Hockenson from Detroit to be their primary tight end on Tuesday.

Smith’s father, former NFL tight end Irv Smith Sr., on Tuesday estimated his son would be out six to 10 weeks.

“We’re still in the process of figuring out exactly if it is going to be something that may or may not require a procedure to help heal,” O’Connell said. “We’re getting second opinions.”

O’Connell said he told Smith he still considers him “a major part in my mind of our offense.” General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the Vikings are “excited to have him back when it’s time.”

BRIEFLY

Adofo-Mensah, O’Connell and Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins were among those to offer condolences to the Zimmer family following the death of former Minnesota assistant coach Adam Zimmer, the son of former coach Mike Zimmer. “It’s tragic news, Adam’s passing,” Cousins said. “Adam was a tremendous person, tremendous football coach.” … Running back Dalvin Cook, who carried 20 times for 111 yards against the Cardinals for his first 100-game of the season, was pleased to see the Vikings roll up 173 overall rushing yards. “We’re trying to get better each week,” he said. “We’re just trying to keep stacking on those weeks.” … Cousins broke 19 mph with a 29-yard run at Arizona last season, the longest of his career. He was hoping his 17-yard touchdown run last Sunday also would be measured at 19, but it was 18.3. “In my defense, I was kind of rounding the corner, and wasn’t exactly a straight away,” he said.

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