The Minnesota Vikings are bracing for a critical showdown against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night, but their defense is facing a crisis. With key players sidelined and a rookie thrust into the spotlight, the Vikings’ defensive unit is under pressure to hold the line in a game that could define their season. As injuries pile up, the stage is set for outside linebacker Dallas Turner, a 2024 first-round pick, to prove he’s ready for the big time.
With veteran outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel ruled out due to a concussion sustained in Monday’s 27-24 victory over the Chicago Bears, all eyes are on Turner. The rookie is expected to make his first NFL start, a moment that team captain and fellow edge rusher Jonathan Greenard has been hyping for weeks. Greenard has been vocal about Turner’s potential, calling him a future standout in the league.
“He was playing the run really well,” Greenard told the Minnesota Star Tribune after reviewing film from the Bears game. “He was shocking guys, getting off the ball, and making tackles—explosive, just giving that good juice and energy.” Turner’s performance in Chicago, where he played 29 of 67 snaps (43%), left defensive coordinator Brian Flores wishing he’d given the rookie more time on the field.
Flores didn’t mince words when asked about his confidence in Turner. “Very high,” he said. “I thought he played very well last week. When I saw the snap counts, I thought we should’ve got him in more.” Turner himself feels ready for the challenge, crediting his year in the Vikings’ system for preparing him for this moment. “I feel much more comfortable with a year under my belt,” Turner said. “I know what’s important in what we run on defense and our roles as outside linebackers.”
Head coach Kevin O’Connell echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that Turner’s role will expand regardless of Van Ginkel’s status. “We’ve viewed it from Day 1 as three potential starters,” O’Connell said, referring to Greenard, Van Ginkel, and Turner. With Van Ginkel out, Turner’s development will be on full display against a Falcons offense eager to exploit Minnesota’s depleted defense.
The Vikings’ defense is reeling from a wave of injuries that threaten to derail their season. In addition to Van Ginkel, the team will be without left tackle Christian Darrisaw, cornerback Jeff Okudah, and starting inside linebacker Blake Cashman, who was placed on injured reserve Thursday. Running back Ty Chandler is also sidelined with a knee injury, further depleting the roster.
Darrisaw, who is 10½ months into his recovery from two torn ligaments in his left knee, will miss his second straight game. Despite being listed as questionable last week, O’Connell clarified that Darrisaw’s pregame workout was not a sign of a setback but rather a step in his rehabilitation. “I haven’t played in a game since October last year,” Darrisaw said. “Being in that stadium atmosphere helped, but I’ve still got room for improvement in my knee.”
Okudah, who suffered a concussion on the final play against Chicago, returned to limited practice on Friday but has been ruled out for Sunday. Safety Harrison Smith, a cornerstone of the Vikings’ defense, is listed as questionable after limited practices this week. Smith, who stepped away during training camp for a personal health matter, has cited conditioning as his primary hurdle.
The Falcons, meanwhile, are coming into the game with key offensive weapons ready to test Minnesota’s patchwork defense. Receiver Drake London (shoulder) has been cleared to play after limited practices, and Darnell Mooney (shoulder) will also suit up after missing Atlanta’s Week 1 loss to Tampa Bay. With the Vikings’ secondary and linebacker corps depleted, the Falcons’ passing attack could exploit the gaps.
As Minnesota prepares for this primetime clash, the spotlight is on Turner and a defense that’s been stretched thin. The rookie’s ability to step up could be a turning point, not just for the game but for the Vikings’ season. With Flores and O’Connell expressing confidence in Turner’s growth, the stage is set for the first-round pick to show why Greenard has been singing his praises.