The Minnesota Vikings are getting healthier.
On Monday, they activated the 21-day practice window for offensive lineman Dalton Risner and he practiced with the team for the first time since early on in training camp.
Risner isn't the only one with his practice window opened, as tight end T.J. Hockenson had his practice window opened the Friday before the game in London against the New York Jets. Both players could help both provide depth and energize the offense upon their return.
Dalton Risner comments on return to practice
While he practiced for the first time since early in training camp, it was also one of the few times that the media got to talk to Risner. He had some blunt words when he spoke after practice.
It's interesting how Risner ended up phrasing it. Risner didn't just say that he's in football shape, but that he's been ready and he's been healthy. That raises other questions, especially since the Vikings could have activated him when they activated Hockenson.
With Risner being activated, does that mean he will end up playing? He was the starter at left guard last year but the Vikings didn't try to sign him until well into OTAs in May. He was also supposed to compete for the starting job at both left guard and right guard. However, Risner didn't take one first team snap at either position both when I attended practice and there wasn't one reported either.
While some may be excited for Risner to return and possibly take over for a player like Ed Ingram, that's unlikely to happen, especially when you factor in the nuance of the playcalling by Kevin O'Connell. Risner is likely to be a backup once he returns and he might not even dress on gameday.
