The Minnesota Vikings defense will receive a big boost on Sunday. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, cornerback Mike Hughes is set to make his 2019 debut in Week 3 after tearing his ACL in his rookie season.
Former Vikings’ first-round pick Mike Hughes makes his 2019 debut vs. the Raiders today, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 22, 2019
The Vikings' first-round pick in 2018, Hughes tore his ACL six games into the season. Before doing so, he allowed 20 completions on 30 targets for 274 yards and two touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference. The former Central Florida man tallied three pass deflections and an interception (turned pick-six) as a rookie.
Hughes missed the first two games as he was in recovery mode. However, during the practice week leading up to the Vikings' Sunday matchup in Minnesota, he was a full go.
Hughes noted on Thursday, via an ABC Minnesota affiliate, that he will wear a brace on his surgically repaired knee.
Said the cornerback: “I'll wear the brace first game. Depending on how I do with it and how I feel moving forward without it and we'll make that decision.”
Though donning a brace, Hughes is ready to play, and not just physically. He feels as if he's more prepared to play nickel in Mike Zimmer's defense in 2019.
“That was my first year playing nickel, last year. So, with a year of that under my belt, I'm a lot [more] comfortable out there — making certain calls and certain adjustments. A lot of things I did last year carried over to this year. I think those things will play a big factor and I'll be ready.”
Hughes will be one of three Vikings first-round cornerbacks (Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes) expecting to play a role on Sunday.
Follow Us
Subscribe