The Minnesota Vikings are going to be thin on the defensive line this weekend, leaving the door open for rookie Scott Crichton to contribute.
The Minnesota Vikings are headed to Buffalo this weekend to take on the Bills. Fresh off of a loss in which the offense failed to do much of anything, the Vikings defense held strong for most of the game. Minnesota is now going to be without rotational defensive end Corey Wooton, leaving the door open for third round draft pick Scott Crichton to make his NFL contribution.
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Crichton, out of Oregon State University, has not been active since the season opener against the St. Louis Rams. Taken in the same round as Jerick McKinnon, Crichton will be looking to make an impact just a week after the Vikings gave McKinnon a shot at the starting gig.
Speaking to Andrew Krammer of 1500 ESPN, Crichton said, “They haven’t told me anything, but I know Corey is out so I’m just getting ready. It’s an opportunity that I’ve been waiting for a long time. I just can’t wait.”
Throughout practice this week, Crichton has been getting reps with the first-team field goal unit, as well as having played both sides of the defensive line.
As a member of the Beavers at Oregon State, Crichton was a defensive standout routinely chasing down PAC 12 quarterbacks. Recording 7.5 sacks despite facing consistent double teams and being a focal point of the opponent’s gameplan, he was a value pick for the Vikings in round two.
With an opportunity against an offensive line ranking 14th in the NFL when it comes to giving up sacks (13 surrendered), Crichton should have opportunities to get to Kyle Orton should he find himself on the field.
Look for defensive minded head coach Mike Zimmer to find ways to get Crichton to contribute with Wooton out. Zimmer wasn’t at practice on Friday as he underwent a minor procedure of his own, but expects to be back with the team on Saturday.
The Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills kick off on Sunday at 1pm ET from Ralph Wilson Stadium.
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