Arguably the biggest splash of free agency for the Vikings this offseason wasn’t available for Sunday’s season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After suffering an ankle injury earlier this week, pass rusher Marcus Davenport was officially inactive for what would’ve been his Vikings debut. He was limited in Friday’s practice and was listed as questionable heading into the game between the Vikings and the Buccaneers.

• Zones

Maybe the writing was on the wall about 24 hours earlier when the Vikings elevated pass rusher Benton Whitley from the practice squad to the active roster.

Asked about Davenport earlier this week, head coach Kevin O’Connell lauded his ability to win in various ways.

“He’s really versatile, and has a great combination of power and speed and intelligence,” O’Connell said. “Just pairing him with (Danielle Hunter), (D.J. Wonnum) and (Pat Jones II) has given us a really strong feeling towards that outside linebackers room.”

The other inactives for Sunday’s season opener included: quarterback Jaren Hall, tight end Nick Muse, pass rusher Andre Carter, offensive tackle David Quessenberry, and defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy.

It’s worth noting that the Vikings designated Hall as the emergency quarterback, meaning he’d be available of starter Kirk Cousins and backup Nick Mullens both got injured.

Related Articles

• Minnesota Vikings | The Loop Fantasy Football Week 1 Update: Last-minute moves

• Minnesota Vikings | Vikings don’t have lengthy injury report. It was all part of the plan.

• Minnesota Vikings | Jordan Hicks, the mentor, Brian Asamoah, the mentee, leading Vikings linebackers

• Minnesota Vikings | Buccaneers at Vikings: Here are some things to know ahead of the Week 1 matchup

• Minnesota Vikings | ‘He’s the next one’: Justin Jefferson as seen through the eyes of legendary Vikings receivers