The Minnesota Vikings’ outside linebacker depth took a significant hit Friday when second-year player Tyler Batty suffered a torn ACL during the preseason finale and was subsequently placed on injured reserve. The injury will sideline the 27-year-old for the entire season and compounds an already concerning shortage of pass-rush talent on the edge for the franchise.
Batty, an undrafted free agent signing from Brigham Young University, had emerged as a promising rotational contributor. The 6’6″, 271-pound defender was expected to see expanded playing time in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme after mixing in with the first team during training camp. His performance during the preseason was encouraging, posting four tackles, three pressures, and a quarterback hit in limited action against Baltimore.
The Vikings now face a roster shortage at the position heading into the regular season. Starting edge rushers Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner remain the primary options, but backup options are limited. Depth candidates Bo Richter and Chaz Chambliss figure to see increased opportunity, while versatile defenders Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and Jake Golday may be called upon despite playing other positions primarily. Additionally, the team is releasing several edge rushers including Cam’Ron Stewart and Kenny Dyson.
Minnesota will likely need to pursue reinforcements through free agency, trades, or the waiver wire before the regular season begins to adequately address this evolving depth concern.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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