Although the Minnesota Vikings have remained relatively healthy this season , they continue to improve the roster on the fringes. The defensive front has a tough task in front of them on Sunday. While Brian Flores has kept his unit strong against the running game, Josh Jacobs is a formidable threat. He’ll have a new talent to evaluate as well.
Veteran depth joins the Minnesota Vikings defense
The cornerback room was a cause for concern coming into the season for Minnesota. They have held up well, and veteran Stephon Gilmore returned to the starting lineup last weekend. In addressing another area of the defense, the Vikings grabbed defensive lineman Jonathan Harris from the Carolina Panthers.
Harris went undrafted out of Lindenwood but has turned in a nice five-year professional career. Minnesota will be his fourth professional team, and he has played in 40 games while making nine starts.
2023 with Denver was Harris’ most productive season as a pro. In 17 games he recorded 43 tackles nd his first career sack. In seven games with Carolina this season he had 10 tackles and a quarterback hit. Harris has played both defensive end as well as contributed on the interior defensive line.
The interior has been a point of contentions for the Vikings this season. Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Bullard, and Jerry Tillery have been the key contributors. Harris’ addition could also be in response to recent injuries bugging Jalen Redmond.
Kelvin Joseph never made it into game action for Minnesota. The 25-year-old appeared in a pair of games for Indianapolis earlier this season.
Minnesota’s defensive front will look to slow Jordan Love and the Packers offense on Sunday. After a strong performance against the Seahawks, their 87.1 rush yards allowed per game is second-lowest in the league.
