The Minnesota Vikings' young, prized cornerback Mike Hughes has been struggling with a torn ACL suffered in Week 6 of his rookie season. Currently, the 22-year-old Hughes is eyeing a comeback on the gridiron for the Vikings in the team's Week 1 regular season matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Vikings activated their 2018 first-round selection in Hughes from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Monday, but that doesn't magically make Hughes feel like the same player in the secondary.

Per Chad Graff of The Athletic:

“I’ve never been hurt like this before,” Hughes said in his first public comments since training camp began. “It’s been challenging. It’s just been another story to add to my journey. I’ve just been trying to embrace every bit of it. Just working hard. Just trying to get back and be with my guys and do what I love.”

Hughes, drafted 30th overall last year out of UCF, recorded 22 combined tackles, one tackle for a loss, forced one fumble, and made one interception in his injury-shortened, six-game rookie season for Minnesota.

While Hughes continues to ease back into his comfort zone on the field, he's wary of taking care of his body, one that, as he said, had never experienced an injury like the ACL tear last year.

“Just being smart about everything and taking it slow and listening to the trainers and listening to my surgeon,” Hughes said of when he might return. “We will see.”

Surely the Vikings need Hughes in their secondary in spite of their league-leading fewest passing touchdowns allowed during the 2018 season. Additionally, the Twin Cities franchise gave up the third-fewest passing yards last year.