The Vikings train at a complex named for orthopedists. Time to name their practice fields after an exorcist. They need both.
In 2016, a promising Vikings team lost Teddy Bridgewater less than two weeks before the season opener, quickly traded for Sam Bradford and started 5-0.
The Vikings found themselves so shorthanded on the offensive line that they signed Jake Long off the street, made the dubious decision to start him in Philadelphia, got Bradford sacked six times, went on a four-game losing streak and finished 8-8.
In 2017, a promising Vikings team lost Bradford after the season opener and Dalvin Cook early in his NFL career. It is a testament to the depth of talent on the roster that the Vikings rallied around backup quarterback Case Keenum to win 14 games.
In 2018, the Vikings entered training camp with what might have been the best roster in the NFL. On Thursday, the team confirmed that starting guard Nick Easton likely will miss the season because of a herniated disc.
Recent Vikings seasons have taught us that one injury to a lineman can spell doom ... or that a good team can survive even injuries to starting quarterbacks. Should this injury cause Vikings fans to panic at their usual level, or more?
Saturday, the team will start a makeshift line in the first preseason game, and will need their remaining linemen to remain healthy to have even three returning starters from the line that supported a 14-victory team last year.
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman has built one of the league's best defenses. His first-round pick this season, Mike Hughes, looks like a spectacular athlete who could contribute quickly as a cornerback and returner.