The Minnesota Vikings (0-2) are signing former Denver Broncos linebacker Todd Davis, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
The #Vikings are signing former #Broncos LB Todd Davis to a one-year deal, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 24, 2020
Mike Zimmer's defense has been ravaged by injuries, and the team is hoping Davis can provide some depth. Minnesota ranks 29th in yards allowed and 31st in points allowed through the first two weeks.
Outside linebacker Anthony Barr suffered a torn right pectoral muscle in last Sunday’s 28-11 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. On Tuesday, Minnesota signed linebacker Hardy Nickerson off the practice squad to replace Barr. The Vikings signed undrafted rookie linebacker Cale Garrett to the practice squad.
Since the start of training camp, Minnesota has lost three incumbent linebackers. Cameron Smith is out for the season due to a heart condition, and Ben Gedeon was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for undisclosed reasons.
The team could be facing another hit at linebacker, as outside linebacker Troy Dye was unable to practice on Wednesday due to a foot injury.
Davis, in his sixth NFL season, started in Denver for the past four seasons. In 2015, he was a backup and special teamer for the Super Bowl 50–winning Broncos. He led the Broncos in tackles in three of the past four seasons, and his 134 tackles in 2019 was tied for eighth-most in football. He eventually became a defensive captain for Vic Fangio's squad.
Davis's signing was speculated on Tuesday when he arrived in Minneapolis for coronavirus testing and a workout. Davis will compete for snaps with Eric Wilson and Dye, with Eric Kendricks manning the middle.
Minnesota's patchwork linebacking group will have the pleasure of facing Derrick Henry and the unbeaten Tennessee Titans in Week 3.
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