Mike Harris Anticipates Returning In 2017

To say that the 2016 season was a bit rough for the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line would be a pretty massive understatement. Thanks to injuries, retirements, and other issues, the weakest spot on the roster from 2015 managed to get even weaker in 2016, and the team suffered as a result.

One of the bigger hits may have come during Training Camp, when Mike Harris was placed in the Non-Football Injury list with an undisclosed ailment or illness. Harris had signed a one-year deal with the Vikings after being arguably their best offensive lineman in 2015. He started all 16 games at right guard in 2015, but could not get the clearance to get back on the field this year.

When asked about his issues following the 2016 regular season finale, Harris expressed optimism that he would be able to get back on the field in 2017. He’s simply waiting to be cleared to resume football activities again.

“I don’t know,” Harris said. “I’ve just got to wait and see. Once I get the clearance, I’ll be good to go. I feel great. I’ve just got to stay positive. The psychological thing about it, just not being out there, not being able to help my team, this season was rough for everybody. A lot of injured guys on the team, which we needed. But if we can all come together and everybody can stay healthy next season, we’ve got a Super Bowl in mind.”

We’ve yet to find out exactly what it was that sidelined Harris this past season. Frankly, we might never find out, and it’s none of our business either way. . .if Mike Harris wants to tell us, he’ll tell us. But if he can get the clearance he’s looking for and return to the form he showed in 2015, he would be a pretty big help to the Vikings’ offensive line.

Here’s hoping for the best for #79 going forward and that we’ll see him back on the field in purple soon.