The Minnesota Vikings, grappling with a season marred by injuries, are facing yet another challenge in Week 17. With a staggering 12 players dealing with various issues, the team has made a strategic move to address their depleted roster.
In a bid to fortify their lineup for the crucial matchup against division rivals Green Bay Packers, the Vikings have signed Anthony Barr, a four-time Pro Bowler, from the practice squad to the active roster. The official announcement, made on December 29 via the team’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, confirmed Barr’s return to the squad.
Originally the 9th overall pick in the 2014 draft, Barr spent nine seasons with the Vikings before briefly joining the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 as a free agent. In his lone season with the Cowboys, he contributed 58 combined tackles, two fumble recoveries, and one sack. Barr, a versatile 6-foot-5 linebacker, rejoined the Vikings in November, initially joining the practice squad.
This marks Barr’s third appearance with the main team, having played 26 snaps in the previous two games. While his statistics include just one tackle, he notably recovered a fumble by Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields in Week 12.
.@NoExcuses_23 and @AnthonyBarr team up for the MASSIVE play.
đź“ş: @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/e4ZIWVHzX7
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 28, 2023
The decision to elevate Barr comes as the Vikings had only one remaining call-up for him from the practice squad. According to Draft Kings rules, practice squad players can be elevated a maximum of three times before being signed to the active roster. With open roster spots resulting from placing T.J. Hockenson and DJ Wonnum on injured reserve, the Vikings opted to bring Barr directly to the active roster.
Barr’s return becomes crucial as linebacker Troy Dye, listed as questionable with a wrist injury, is among the 12 players on the Vikings’ injury report.
Barr, back on a one-year, $1.2 million contract, was once a cornerstone player for the Vikings with a lucrative four-year, $67 million deal during his peak, which included four Pro Bowl appearances. Injuries played a role in his decline and departure from Minnesota, but his reacquisition highlights the team’s need for experienced contributors in their playoff push.
In addition to Barr, the Vikings have also signed linebacker Nick Vigil to the practice squad. Vigil, who started 12 games for the Vikings in 2021, was waived on December 23 but rejoined the team after Barr’s move to the active roster.
As the Vikings prepare for their divisional showdown against the Packers, both teams are dealing with significant injury concerns.
The Vikings will be without key players like starting cornerback Byron Murphy and wide receiver Jalen Nailor, while the Packers list 16 players on their injury report, including starters like De’Vondre Campbell, Luke Musgrave, and Christian Watson, who are doubtful for the game. Additionally, the Packers have suspended top cornerback Jaire Alexander for conduct detrimental to the team.
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