Anthony Barr’s Mystery Injury Could Keep Him Out Week One vs Bengals
Anthony Barr hasn’t practiced in full with the Minnesota Vikings since August 5. Nobody seemed concerned about his absence until last week, when it became clear that something wasn’t right.
When asked a few weeks ago about why Barr wasn’t practicing, Mike Zimmer told media there was nothing to worry about. A couple weeks later, that turned into “he’s got something that he’s dealing with”. Finally over the weekend, Zim admitted the team’s higher level of concern with Barr’s injury, raising even more red flags.
Today, per Mike’s son and co-defensive coordinator, Adam Zimmer, the Vikings are planning for Anthony Barr’s possible absence in their week one matchup vs the Cincinnati Bengals on September 12.
Not good, Bob.
#Vikings co-DC Adam Zimmer on injured LB Anthony Barr: “Today I can’t tell you whether he’s going to be ready Week 1 or not… Hopefully we’ll have him Week 1.”
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 24, 2021
What’s the injury?
We’re still not sure exactly what is ailing Anthony Barr, though insider Darren Wolfson went as far as calling it a “lower-body injury” on his latest episode of “The Scoop” podcast. Over the past week, others have hinted at a groin problem. The pressure to release the injury and its severity, in a more official way, will only build from here.
If Barr cannot go vs the Bengals, Zimmer Jr pointed to an open competition between Troy Dye, Chazz Surratt and Blake Lynch to replace him. All three have played above expectations so far during training camp and in preseason games.
New Zimmer calling plays?
The regular season is bearing down and that means we, once again, must discuss whether or not Mike Zimmer should be calling plays for his defense. The same question is clearly being posed internally, as well. Adam Zimmer told media as much today and said that he has called some plays during preseason games.
The Vikings still aren’t sure who will dial them up when the games matter next month. Much like Chris Tomasson, I’d bet on Zimmer Sr hanging onto his defensive signal caller responsibilities.
Adam Zimmer said he’s had the opportunity to call some defensive plays during the preseason and it’s gone well. Said it hasn’t been decided who will call plays during the regular season. Methinks Mike Zimmer isn’t ready to give it up.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 24, 2021
Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan
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