The Minnesota Vikings' cornerback corps is a shell of what it used to be. After placing starter Mike Hughes on the injured reserve shortly before the Wild Card round, the Vikings did the same to Mackensie Alexander. They announced his placement on the injured reserve on Friday.
In a corresponding move, the Vikings signed undrafted cornerback Nate Meadors to the active roster. He previously played with Minnesota on the practice squad.
Alexander's placement on the injured reserve should come as no surprise. According to Ben Goessling of The Star Tribune, he underwent surgery on his knee on Jan. 7. He did so to fix a meniscus tear.
A Clemson product, Alexander will be a free agent in March, barring an extension by the Vikings. Minnesota selected him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Though his career started slow, he acted as an integral piece to the Vikings' secondary over the last two seasons.
Alexander played most of his snaps in 2019 as a nickel defender. He was also a big part of the Vikings' second-level blitz package, as he racked up a career-high four sacks during the 2018 season. In 2019, he tallied 37 combined tackles, five pass deflections and an interception.
According to Pro Football Reference, Alexander allowed an 84.3 passer rating in coverage in 2019. Quarterbacks went 38-of-58 passing in his area while compiling 324 yards and two touchdowns. He did not allow a score in 2018.
With Alexander and Hughes out, the Vikings have Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Kris Boyd, Holton Hill, Marcus Sherels and the recently-signed Meadors at cornerback for the rest of the postseason.
Follow Us
Subscribe