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In his weekly press conference, Mike Zimmer gave us a bit of an update on the injury front. And...we have good news and bad news. First, the good news:
Zimmer said he expects Trae Waynes to practice this week after the cornerback left with a knee injury yesterday.
— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingStrib) September 10, 2018
Yay! Both Waynes and nickel CB Mac Alexander missed all or most of yesterday’s game, so getting at least Waynes back this week will help now that it’s Packers week, and Aaron Rodgers awaits.
Now, the bad news:
Mike Zimmer on Aviante Collins out for season: "AC's a good football player. We're going to continue to build depth. Brian O'Neill is getting better.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 10, 2018
Boooo!! Collins will be put on IR with an elbow injury he sustained last week during practice, yet in the ‘Well That Was Fast’ Department, the Vikings announced they have already signed his replacement:
The #Vikings announced that they have signed G Bryan Witzmann.
— J Reid (@JReidNFL) September 10, 2018
This stinks for Collins, who I thought showed some promise at times this preseason. He was inconsistent, but less so than some other guys that were fighting for starting jobs and roster spots. He also showed versatility, playing at both guard and tackle.
Witzmann played in all 16 games last year, and started 13 at left guard for the Kansas City Chiefs, so he brings starting experience and perhaps more stability to a line that has really been looking for it in the wake of injuries to Nick Easton and Pat Elflein.
The Vikings brought in Witzmann for a workout last week, and liked what they saw, apparently. Last year with the Chiefs, he posted a total PFF grade of 53.4, with a run grade of 54.6 and a pass block grade of 60.7.