Punt returner Marcus Sherels was named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after he scored on a 65-yard punt return in Sunday’s win over the Bears, though he had plenty of help from his blockers on the return.
Sherels becomes the first punt returner in team history to win the award.
It was the third punt return touchdown of his career, which is the most in Vikings history. It was also his fifth career return of longer than 50 yards.
Sherels finished the game with 77 yards on three punt returns. He also had a kickoff return for 12 yards and recorded two special-teams tackles.
Ben Goessling is in his sixth year covering the Vikings, having joined the Star Tribune in 2017 after four seasons at ESPN and one at the Pioneer Press. He is an Apple Valley High School and University of Minnesota graduate. Follow him at @GoesslingStrib.
Mark Craig has covered the NFL for 23 years, and the Vikings since 2003 for the Star Tribune. He is one of 44 Pro Football Hall of Fame selectors. Follow him at @markcraignfl.
Andrew Krammer joined the Star Tribune in July 2016 after three years covering the Vikings for 1500 ESPN. He is a 2013 graduate of the University of Minnesota. Follow him at @Andrew_Krammer.
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