The Minnesota Vikings defensive depth has been dealt a blow with defensive end Tashawn Bower being lost for the season with an Achilles injury. Via Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune Mike Zimmer said that Bower tore it well working out on his own which is why he was placed on the NFI instead of the PUP. To be placed on the PUP list, the injury has to occur during practice or out on the field during a game.
Bower tore his Achilles while working out on his own, Zimmer said. That’s why he’s on NFI instead of PUP. “But we did it the right way,” Zimmer said. “We didn’t take money away from him.”
— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) July 26, 2019
After being an undrafted free agent in 2017 out of LSU Bower has carved out a nice role on the team as a reliable backup when called upon. Last season he appeared in five games racking up six tackles with one of those being for a loss.
Zimmer also gave an update on Shamar Stephen who the team signed this season after he spent last season with the Seattle Seahawks. Stephen is currently on the NFI list, but Zimmer doesn't expect him to be their long. The Vikings also placed cornerback Mike Hughes, tight end David Morgan, and wide receiver Bradon Zylstra on the PUP list to start the season.
Losing Bower is disappointing for him and the Vikings, but this is going to give the Vikings another open roster spot that a young guy should be able to come up and grab. The Vikings are expected to compete for the NFC North this season so not suffering any more serious injuries is going to be key as they try to win their second division title in three years.
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