The Minnesota Vikings got some good news on Thursday with linebacker Eric Kendricks returning to the field for the first time since suffering a quad injury during the team's Week 16 loss against the Green Bay Packers.
Eric Kendricks (quad) returned to #Vikings practice today, a good sign ahead of Sunday in New Orleans. Jay Rock’s “Win” playing. pic.twitter.com/r3bDj1ktBc
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) January 2, 2020
Kendricks a lot of times is overlooked, but he is having the best year of his career and is one of the anchors of the Vikings defense. On the season, Kendricks has 110 tackles and a half of a sack. He also had two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. If the Vikings are going to pull off the upset against the New Orleans Saints, Kendricks is probably going to be a key.
As Kendricks gets healthy, there are others on the defense that are still out. Defensive end Stephen Weatherly (illness), safety Andrew Sendejo (illness), and cornerback Mackensie Alexander (knee) all missed their second straight practice.
On offense, the Vikings had both Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison participating in practice. Cook has made it clear he is going to be at full strength Sunday.
“I wouldn't put a percentage on it,” Cook said via Courtney Cronin of ESPN. “If I were whatever percent, I'd be out there on Sunday. So I'm gonna be ready to go, I'm gonna be at full strength, and I'm looking forward to a good football game.”
The Vikings' offense struggled to move the ball during their Week 16 matchup against the Packers without Cook or Mattison. The offense is better when it's balanced, so getting both of them back should help.
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