Is Jake Long's body ready to start again in the NFL?
That's the question facing the Vikings before Sunday's game in Philadelphia. The 31-year-old Long ended his football unemployment by signing with the Vikings last week after the team placed starting right tackle Andre Smith on injured reserve. Long, who hasn't started a game since 2014, could become the Vikings' fifth offensive tackle to start this season.
"It's probably not as hard as being the quarterback and coming in," head coach Mike Zimmer said with a smirk.
The Vikings, of course, have already tackled the unenviable task of adding a starting quarterback, Sam Bradford, just before the regular season opener and starting him 15 days later.
They'll have 12 days with Long, though the question of his readiness is more physical than mental. Long began his career with 61 consecutive starts, including first-team All-Pro in 2010, but he's managed just 34 starts in the four years since. He's already recovered from two torn ACLs and a torn biceps, among other injuries.
Long said the bye week and experience with the Vikings' approach, having played under offensive line coach Tony Sparano in Miami, has helped his transition. Now it's a matter of "knocking off the rust," Long said, as his body has had nearly two years of rest since his last extended run of play.
"I feel great," Long said. "I've been working hard for a very long time for this opportunity. So whenever my number is called, I'll be ready to go."
Long took snaps on the left side Monday during his second Vikings practice.
