The Minnesota Vikings have been desperate for a spark — and it looks like help is finally on the way. After missing the last four games with a neck injury, Andrew Van Ginkel returned to full participation in practice on Wednesday, signaling that the team’s defensive “secret weapon” could be back just in time for a crucial Week 9 showdown with the Detroit Lions.
It’s been a frustrating start to the season for Van Ginkel, who’s suited up only twice in 2025 after inking a contract extension over the offseason. Expected to form one of the NFC’s most dangerous pass-rushing duos alongside Jonathan Greenard, the veteran linebacker has instead spent the past month watching from the sidelines — and watching the Vikings’ defense crumble in his absence.
A Full Return — and Perfect Timing
This week’s development marks the first time in over a month that Van Ginkel has practiced in full, a major step forward considering the ominous tone surrounding his neck injury. The Vikings have been cautious, especially given the memory of Danielle Hunter’s season-ending neck surgery a few years back. But now, Van Ginkel appears ready to return — and his timing couldn’t be better.
The Detroit Lions are rolling. Quarterback Jared Goff is playing some of the best football of his career, and Detroit’s offensive line remains one of the NFL’s strongest. The Vikings’ pass rush, on the other hand, has been anemic. Through seven games, rotational rusher Jalen Redmond leads the team with just three sacks, and the defensive front has failed to generate consistent pressure.
That lack of heat up front has left Minnesota’s secondary painfully exposed, and head coach Kevin O’Connell knows the defense needs its tone-setter back.
Van Ginkel: The Spark Minnesota’s Defense Needs
When healthy, Van Ginkel is exactly that — a tone-setter. Coming off a career-best campaign in 2024, the veteran linebacker has proven he can disrupt games on multiple levels. He’s an energy engine, capable of both dropping into coverage and slicing through protection to hit quarterbacks before they can blink.
His brief 2025 action showed that promise. After a quiet debut, Van Ginkel tallied two sacks in his second game, reminding everyone of the disruptive potential that made him one of defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ favorite weapons. His return could immediately lift the entire front seven — taking pressure off Greenard, Redmond, and promising young rusher Dallas Turner.
And it’s not just the pass rush that will benefit. The Vikings have been gutted by the run game all year, especially up the middle despite the high-profile additions of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. Without outside containment, opposing offenses have been able to dictate the tempo. Van Ginkel’s presence should restore balance, sealing edges and freeing up interior defenders to make plays.
A Do-or-Die Week 9 for Minnesota
At 3–5, the Vikings are standing at a crossroads. With rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy set to start and Carson Wentz out for the season, the team’s margin for error is shrinking fast. Facing the Lions — a division rival and NFC contender — Minnesota needs every ounce of veteran leadership and defensive firepower it can get.
Van Ginkel’s return could be the turning point. His energy, leadership, and relentless motor are exactly what the Vikings have missed during their four-week slide.
If he’s truly back to full strength, Sunday could mark not only his comeback — but the revival of Minnesota’s playoff hopes.
The secret weapon has been reloaded. Now, it’s time for Van Ginkel to unleash.