Jasper Brinkley, Injured Reserve, And You

by Ted Glover on Aug 31, 2011 10:54 PM CDT in Minnesota Vikings 2011 Season

Okay, so you won't be personally affected if/when Jasper Brinkley goes on IR. Unless you are in fact, one Mr. Jasper Brinkley. And if you're reading this, JB, get well soon.

According to Mark Craig of the Strib, Brinkley had hip surgery tonight, and will almost certainly go on season ending injured reserve. If he does, how might that affect the Vikings final roster makeup?

Well, we'll tell you, after the jump. But you probably knew that already.

In the Vikes initial roster cuts, they released one LB, Kyle O'Donnell, leaving Larry Dean, Heath Farwell, Chad Greenway, E.J. Henderson, Erin Henderson, David Herron, Ross Homan, and Kenny Onatolu still on the roster

Let's assume that Greenway, the two Hendersons, and Farwell are safe, for a total of four. Last year, the Vikings had a total of seven linebackers on the roster at the end of last season. If that same number were to be assumed this year, then the Vikings would only cut one more guy and call it good.

But are there seven NFL-caliber linebackers on the roster, or would the Vikings run the risk of dropping to six and then plus up another weak area, like offensive line?

The good news is that the Vikings have a few days to figure it out, but the bad news is that they're fairly limited. If they go thin at LB, they'll almost have to sign someone well into the season to cover an injury. If they keep all the guys they currently have, they'll have a couple guys that probably aren't worthy of being on an NFL roster under normal circumstances, and if they're pressed into service, it could be ugly.

About all they can do is cut the guys they were planning to cut, and find a free agent who was cut by antoher team to bolster the depth.

I would expect them to find a veteran sometime this weekend or the early part of next week.

I can't say that there are seven quality linebackers on the roster; if you count rookie Ross Homan...and since he's from Ohio State, you're damn right we're counting him...and David Herron, who was signed late in the pre-season, that gets you to six. Onatolu has been hurt, so if you throw him in there that's seven.

And that's a weak linebacker corps once you get past the starters.

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greenway and EJ henderson make it a good corps

even if the other guys are sub-par those two guys, if healthy, are both all-pro caliber. we’ll be fine. the safeties however…….

by A's Crazy on Sep 1, 2011 12:00 AM CDT reply actions

Kinda more intrigued now with Griffen

When i first heard that they were going to try him out at the LB, i just thought it was for the sake of pre-season, but now there might be a legitimate chance that he could come in at LB some time this season. Makes me bummed that i’m going to miss the game tomorrow.

by muffin man on Sep 1, 2011 12:08 AM CDT reply actions

If he can play LB at the NFL level (even if that level is just mediocre), it saves a roster spot for another position. Provided, of course, that he stays healthy. If he goes down it would be like losing two guys.
Regardless, if he shows any aptitude with the position in a blitz package I don’t see why we wouldn’t put him on the field in such a situation.

by cyberuck on Sep 1, 2011 12:17 AM CDT up reply actions

The problem with a Griffen/Brinkley comparison

is that Brinkley is a MLB and Griffen would be an OLB. They bring totally different skill sets to the table. We need a backup MLB. And I do not think we have an NFL caliber backup MLB as our roster stands today. I believe we will be scanning the waiver wire closely after all the teams make their final cuts.

Your fantasy football expert since Jerry Rice's rookie year.

by Odin on Sep 1, 2011 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions

More intrigued by Larry Dean

Have read some good things about him. Looking forward to seeing him get a chance on the team.

by Wytefang on Sep 1, 2011 12:23 AM CDT reply actions

I think Erin has improved leaps and bounds this year.

I’m excited to see how he performs this week.

Skol!

by DM_Purp on Sep 1, 2011 12:25 AM CDT reply actions

#51

Is a common denominator on the NFL jerseys owned by people of note….

#51, back when he played, Mike Singletary, Defensive Line Backers Coach, The Minnesota Vikings….

#51, Currently still on the roster, Larry Dean, Outside Linebacker, Minnesota Vikings.

He was defensive player if the year in his DIVISION, and is a football player. looking forward to watching good old #51, coach current #51

by RickyBrune on Sep 1, 2011 2:42 AM CDT reply actions

The LB issue means

Carmillo likely gets cut because his salary 1.75m) is high for a #4 or 5 receiver. We need help at safety, OL, and now LB. Some of the cuts will be made in order to add players from the waiver wire.

FYI – Singletary was #50. the Bears had another famous LB who wore 51.

by Vikefandc on Sep 1, 2011 6:51 AM CDT via mobile reply actions

Yea agree

I can see us now loosing Cam, as well as Frampton, and yes maybe even a LB in Farwell…due to the cap problems as 2 are really just ST’s guys. Am surprised they did not get something done fast for Greenway so they could have some room to breath.
I can see that maybe AP is still waiting on another RB’s deal.

by vikefan1969 on Sep 1, 2011 7:23 AM CDT reply actions

It sounded like Vikes and Greenway were way far apart on a deal.

: /

If the worst thing we have to worry about this year is losing a back-up linebacker, I’m not gonna be too worried. But if injuries keep piling on like last year, we’re toast.

by Purpledork on Sep 1, 2011 7:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah

If I were to make over $10 million this year I’d delay negotiations also. Greenway knows any team in the league would take him and pay him very well. He is only being smart for him and his family. Can’t hate on that. Same with AP. Neither one have ‘bitched’ or moaned though so that at least is good. No ill will.

by Jepp The Viking on Sep 1, 2011 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions

True

but at the same time there were some people who believed (myself included) that Greenway was the kind of guy that would be willing to work with the Vikings and accept a very fair offer. The thought was that the Vikings should have put the franchise tag on Rice and then attempt to sign Greenway as a UFA.

I guess it may not be that easy to sign him after all.

At the same time, it was good that they did not do that or else they would have been looking for linebackers.

by MarkSP18 on Sep 1, 2011 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions

Vikes look good but vulnerable

I think the Vikings look like an above average team. Maybe that is the homer in me. But whatever.

Problem is that we are one defensive injury (not counting D line) away from having to field a non-NFL caliber defensive player. That is scary.

by Sand0 on Sep 1, 2011 7:46 AM CDT reply actions

Free Agents

Are there still solid FA LB’s available that haven’t signed with anyone? Seems hard to believe the Vikes can’t find someone to come in and be the 5th or 6th guy on this roster. It is kind of scary once you get past the starters – and we know we will at some point in the season. I think there’s still a lot of work to do on the salary cap and I wouldn’t be surprised to see an expensive veteran or two get let go to save a little $$$.

by Siegfried59 on Sep 1, 2011 7:55 AM CDT reply actions

It will be interesting what they do with Brinkley

I think he could just be cut and given an injury settlement. They were hoping to see something more from his this year which is his third season. So far he has started a few games and been OK against the run but not too good vs the pass.

So do you pay him 480K and leave him on IR for the year hoping that next year he can take over for EJ who is also in the last year of his deal?

I guess they can pay him since they paid Jaymar his 400K last year while on IR.

I don’t know though. There will be some cuts that happen on September 3rd. Maybe the Vikings will find some other linebackers they like more?

Maybe a guy like Zac Diles will get released by the Rams?

by MarkSP18 on Sep 1, 2011 8:02 AM CDT reply actions

I thought Brinkley did a fine job filling in for EJ during the 09 season

I’m not so certain they will b quick to cut him.

by Soybomb on Sep 1, 2011 8:12 AM CDT up reply actions

+1

And EJ isn’t that great in coverage either. EJ makes his reputation being great against the run. So so in passing situations. I hadn’t noticed Brinkley being much worse in passing situations this pre-season.

by kcskol on Sep 1, 2011 8:15 AM CDT up reply actions

Hate to say it man

but I didn’t see a lot of problems when Brinkley came in behind EJ. And that was his rookie year. I think we’ll be keeping him and I hope we do, because EJ is getting older and more expensive and Brinkly looked like he could pick up his spot when he left.

I'm like the Dali Lama of kicking ass

by Grime on Sep 1, 2011 8:22 AM CDT up reply actions

EJ did not play on 3rd downs

I believe they went with two LBs on passing downs. He could be better now. But he got hurt and they do not know. So do you pay the player his full salary when you are already hurting for cap space or do you pay him an injury settlement?

They can always resign him next year if they want. Or they can sign Manny Lawson who only signed a one year deal to go to Cincinnati.

Or maybe they will continue to be stubborn and not draft a left tackle in the first round next year and draft a guy like …

Zach Brown OLB 1 North Carolina Sr 6-2 230 4.48
Brandon Jenkins OLB 2 Florida State Jr 6-3 265 4.69
Bruce Irvin OLB 3 West Virginia Sr 6-2 245 4.54
Courtney Upshaw ILB 1 Alabama Sr 6-2 265 4.76
Manti Te’o ILB 2 Notre Dame Jr 6-2 255 4.59
Don’ta Hightower ILB 3 Alabama rJr 6-4 260 4.74
Vontaze Burfict ILB 4 Arizona State Jr 6-3 252 4.67
Brandon Lindsey OLB 4 Pittsburgh rSr 6-2 250 4.68
Luke Kuechly ILB 5 Boston College Jr 6-2 237 4.79

So I could see them drafting an ILB in the first round next year. How is this mock draft assuming the Vikings go 8-8 …

16. Vontaze Burfict ILB 6-3 252 4.67
48. TJ McDonald FS 6-2 205 4.47
80. Mike Brewster C 6-4 305 5.17
98. Zebrie Sanders OT 6-5 307 5.25 comp pick
113. Harrison Smith SS 6-2 215 4.55
131. Tank Cardner OLB 6-2 236 4.67 comp pick
147. Armond Armstead DT 6-4 292 5.12
219. Chris Rainey WR 5-9 178 4.33

by MarkSP18 on Sep 1, 2011 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions

No Lavonte David love?

Dude is always beast mode.

by Jepp The Viking on Sep 1, 2011 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Ok I'm just saying that if you have a fairly strong back up for a position that might be getting vacated in teh next year or two

You keep him and bring people on in other areas that are more important. We have this problem a lot where we lose someone and don’t have anyone in the wings to take their spot. Well we finally do have someone in the wings and I’m thinking we keep him.

And get a decent tackle next year…

I'm like the Dali Lama of kicking ass

by Grime on Sep 1, 2011 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree

but Brinkley only has shown that he is a decent run defender. He made some curious misses then year in the preseason game(s) he played. I recall one play where he ran right by the QB who just calmly side stepped him.

Of course one play does not define his career. But it was going to be his third season.

I think that the Vikings could give him an injury settlement and then try to resign him next year as a free agent. If not, they resign EJ for a couple of years (which they may do anyway) and draft a stud in the first round.

by MarkSP18 on Sep 1, 2011 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Can you just cut someone on the IR?

Getting injured on the job doesn’t guarantee their salary for the year?

by Purpledork on Sep 1, 2011 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions

You put them on IR/released

they get paif their salary, or some type of injury settlement, and the team provides medical care until healed. Then the player is released, as I understand it.

"I'm crazy? Cyril, you're the one who killed a perfectly good hooker!"--Sterling Archer

The Daily Norseman
Off Tackle Empire
SB Nation Minnesota

by Ted Glover on Sep 1, 2011 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions

Hmm. Wonder what Napolean Harris is up to these days…

Seriously, though, door closes; window opens…A guy like Homan, albeit different stylistically, is probably about equally talented to a guy like Brinkley (and perhaps better in coverage, which is important given the TEs in the division). Maybe he’ll step into the fray.

by jianfu on Sep 1, 2011 8:19 AM CDT reply actions

Yup

Holman was drafted because he was still on the board,but his coverage skills is an added plus based on the fact that we play cover two where the LB’s need to help in coverage.

by nmvikesfan on Sep 1, 2011 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions

I respect concern

but there isn’t any coming from me. I think our back-up linebackers are more then serviceable with the D-line in front of them. Unless all 3 starters go down we’re in good shape with the men we have on our roster. “IF” someone we value as a great linebacker happens to be cut by a mis-guided team that we feel can contribute then I understand. Our special teams this year will have success based alot on the back-up linebackers. Farwell, onatolu, and Homan. Larry Dean has a good make-up of a great back-up and a solid special teams contributor. He will bring alot of fire on kick-offs and if he does get some playing time on defense.

In my opinion nothing warrants worry. Its only dissapointing we lost a solid back-up Middle linebacker.

by PurpleJesuZ on Sep 1, 2011 9:58 AM CDT reply actions

Sounds like JB has this injury starting at the end of last season.

An ill repute here in Viking land to delay hip surgery…..

by Jepp The Viking on Sep 1, 2011 10:11 AM CDT reply actions

LOL!

by abba7 on Sep 1, 2011 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions

My initial thought when I read the story.....

so, I guess JB is Seattle bound someday?

by Mel Allen on Sep 1, 2011 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions

You're on a damn good roll Ted!

Most of us realize, but maybe not all, that both you and Chris have responsibilities with SB Nation Minnesota, and you with Off Tackle Empire (which has some of the most hilarious exchanges I’ve ever read), and it takes quite a bit of work and discipline to do what you do. I personally don’t eat Cheerios in the buff, because Cocoa Pebbles are way better, but I think the LB group (barring further injury) is going to be fine, and I suddenly have a semblance of hope for the O-line. It’s that secondary that still bothers me because the thing is I think is that most teams are going to game plan against us through the air. (mostly)

by abba7 on Sep 1, 2011 10:40 AM CDT reply actions

Thanks abba

It’s been a hell of a week.

"I'm crazy? Cyril, you're the one who killed a perfectly good hooker!"--Sterling Archer

The Daily Norseman
Off Tackle Empire
SB Nation Minnesota

by Ted Glover on Sep 2, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions

Two years ago

When Jasper filled in for EJ he did a great job.

I'll have your mother call you shortly.

by VikesPma on Sep 1, 2011 10:57 AM CDT reply actions

ESPN reports

Chris Johnson signs 4 year 53 million dollar deal…

4 years and 54 million for AP anyone?

by travonino on Sep 1, 2011 12:17 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

$30 million guaranteed. Only extends his current contract 2 more seasons, however.

Too much for a running back, IMO.

by jianfu on Sep 1, 2011 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Lofa Tatupu is actually still a FA.

But I’d be surprised if we could afford him, and he wants a starting job.

"I wanted to do it because it's fun, it's fun to do bad things and drive into a car."

by PurplePeopleEaters on Sep 1, 2011 12:31 PM CDT reply actions

Was Gilmore that bad

Maybe they didn’t want him for outside but inside?

by emeyenburg on Sep 1, 2011 1:07 PM CDT reply actions

Aren't ya glad

That they didn’t even try to sign Ben Leber, who turned out to be pretty cheap for a quality veteran??

by amiller92 on Sep 1, 2011 1:11 PM CDT reply actions

hard to sign people when you are having to cut people to get under the cap

"I am patient with stupidity but not with those who are proud of it."

by NMVike on Sep 1, 2011 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Tough break for Jasper

Here’s to a full and speedy recovery!

"I am patient with stupidity but not with those who are proud of it."

by NMVike on Sep 1, 2011 1:37 PM CDT reply actions

+1000

Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, singing and crying: Valhalla, I am coming!
SKOL!

by DCPurple on Sep 1, 2011 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions