The time is right for a Vikings rookie

Injuries create opportunities. The Minnesota Vikings will be without edge rusher Patrick Jones this week, meaning now is the time for a Vikings rookie. There has been a lot of discussion about Dallas Turner’s commitment and contribution this season, and with the biggest game of the season so far upon us, Jones’ injury moves Turner to OLB3 on the depth chart.

The time is right for a Vikings rookie

In recent weeks, Turner’s number of defensive snaps has been consistent at around 25, a significant improvement from the 3 and 4 defensive snaps he had in Weeks 7 and 8, according to some parts of the Vikings media and fan base caused panic. Turner was almost a spectator in the first meeting with the Lions in Week 7, with just four snaps played and nothing significant showing on the stat sheet.

Brian Flores moves his guys around, so it won’t be as easy as having Turner fill in where Jones would be every time, but the rookie should expect a decent workload around the 30-snap mark, at least. Turner has started impacting games in the last three games with two sacks, two tackles for loss and an interception. It would be the perfect time for him to show that he has things figured out and have a real breakout game.

Kevin O’Connell stated earlier this week that Jones could be OK for this week, but that hasn’t happened. Jones didn’t log a single practice all week. It remains to be seen when he will be available again as he recovers from the knee injury he suffered from a cut block in last week’s game against Green Bay.

Excited to go

Coach O’Connell has been optimistic for Turner all season and was no different when interviewed this week. “I expect (Turner) to be flying around,” O’Connell said. “Probably excited to go. He’s played in some big games, so it won’t bother him.” With first-round draft picks, there’s always pressure to deliver results right away, but sometimes it takes time. Making an impact in the remaining games this season would rewrite the history of Turner’s rookie season.

Turner gets his chance to be the next man up behind Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. The two veteran edge rushers who signed with Minnesota in free agency are clearly at the top of the depth chart. Both had excellent first years in Minnesota and were both selected to the Pro Bowl. The fact that Turner spent his rookie season behind these two shouldn’t be seen as a disadvantage to him. The expectation that he would take over was a more realistic goal and one that he has not yet achieved.

With Jones out of contract at the end of the season, Turner has the perfect opportunity to show he’s ready to take on his role full-time. The Vikings may allow Jones to leave in free agency as they look to bolster weaker areas of the roster. Of course, Turner needs to step up.

It’s a big game for both teams on Sunday night, but on a personal level it could be crucial for Turner’s career.