‘Fullback fraternity’ still running strong with Vikings’ C.J. Ham, Ravens’ Patrick Ricard

Fullback C.J. Ham recalls the Vikings’ last game against Sunday’s opponent, Baltimore, because the broadcasters had referenced the “Fullback Bowl” between Ham and the Ravens’ Patrick Ricard.

Ricard, a 300-pound Pro Bowl bulldozer, is still paving the way for Ravens running backs in his ninth NFL season. This time, it’s for 252-pound future Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry.

Ham loves to see another team employ a throwback position that has still been useful for creative coaches in a modern league dominated by speed.

“The game has changed, obviously, over the years,” Ham said. “But you see someone line up in the I-formation, you just think of football. You think of fullbacks, neck roll, you know, going in and taking someone’s head off for the running back. That’s just football. I appreciate teams that still use it.”

Only 11 NFL teams have put a fullback on the field this season, including the Ravens deploying Ricard for an average of 17 snaps over his two games since returning from a calf injury. Ham, a 10th-year veteran, said he’s hopeful for the future of the position, pointing to Seattle drafting a fifth-round fullback in Robbie Ouzts, who has played 73 snaps.

“I love to see it,” Ham said. “Sometimes I’ll go watch their games just to see how they did. It’s a little fullback fraternity.”

Ham’s left hand remains wrapped as he returned to practice this week. He was limited again in Thursday’s practice. He has only played in two of eight games so far because of knee and hand injuries, the most recent suffered in the Oct. 19 loss to Philadelphia.

Running back Aaron Jones and safety Theo Jackson returned to practice Thursday.

Jones, who said after Sunday’s win at Detroit that he expected to play through the AC joint sprain in his shoulder, is also dealing with a toe injury.

Jackson wore a red, no-contact jersey while taking limited reps in his first practice since being put in the concussion protocol this week. Defensive tackle Jalen Redmond also remains limited by a shin injury.

As usual, left tackle Christian Darrisaw did not practice Thursday after fully participating Wednesday. After Wednesday’s session, he said his surgically repaired left knee is improving.

“Definitely getting more confident,” Darrisaw said. “Trusting it more.”

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Defensive coordinator Brian Flores said he wants defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to “build on” his best Vikings game in Sunday’s victory in Detroit.

Hargrave, a 32-year-old, 10th-year veteran, called the NFL a “humbling league” when asked about his playing time getting reduced in the Vikings’ previous two games.

Flores cited an injury to Hargrave when asked about the reduction, but Hargrave has not been on the team’s injury report since he was listed with a chest injury before the Sept. 28 loss to Pittsburgh.

Hargrave, who signed a two-year deal with $19 million guaranteed in March, previously told reporters to ask coaches about why he was playing less.

“I don’t know if it’s scaled back as much as let’s get him healthy,” Flores said. “I think he’s done a great job since he’s been here. Oftentimes with new players, it’s finding the right whether it’s alignment, formation, players he’s in there with. I think we’re still working towards that, but I think we’re working in the right direction.”

Linebacker Blake Cashman said Vikings defenders are practicing drills focused on balance and aiming points for tackling shifty Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson during practices this week.

The Vikings defense has struggled to contain running quarterbacks this season, giving up 58 rushing yards to Chicago’s Caleb Williams in Week 1 and another 62 rushing yards to the Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert in Week 8. The Eagles’ Jalen Hurts frequently bought time with his legs in Week 7 while throwing for 326 yards and three touchdowns.

When Flores designates a “spy,” or one player to mirror an opposing mobile passer, it has frequently been Cashman.

With all the mobile quarterbacks the Vikings have played, Cashman said: “We’ve had our work cut out. It’s just important that everybody, whether it’s pass rushes or blitzes that everybody’s on the same plan. ... Lamar has a unique and special skillset. He’s going to make those hero plays, but it’s about limiting those.”

Kneeland died outside of Dallas on Thursday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. He was 24.

“Just a tragic situation,” Flores said. “I met him, obviously spent some time with him. Just a really sad situation, and just wanted to send thoughts, condolences and prayers to his friends, family and the Cowboys organization.”