The Minnesota Vikings have been in an odd spot during the buildup to their Week 7 clash with the Philadelphia Eagles. After returning from their bye week in Week 6, the team has spent the past couple of days figuring out who would start under center for them. On Friday, it was announced that J.J. McCarthy still isn’t healthy as he works his way back from an ankle injury, meaning Carson Wentz will draw the start against his former team.
That wasn’t the only clarity the Vikings got in their injury department on Friday, though. Throughout the week, star linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel has been attempting to work his way back from a neck injury he suffered back in Week 3. However, the team received a tough update on his Week 7 status that will force its defense to adapt.
Andrew Van Ginkel Ruled Out for Vikings Week 7 Action
After spending the first five seasons of his career with the Miami Dolphins, Van Ginkel signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Vikings in free agency. He promptly put together the best season of his career, racking up 79 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two interceptions (both of which he returned for touchdowns), six pass deflections, and one fumble forced. As a result, Van Ginkel earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro Second Team honors for the first time in his career.
Prior to the 2025 campaign, Van Ginkel signed a one-year, $23 million contract extension with Minnesota, ensuring that his contract situation won’t be an issue throughout the year. While Van Ginkel already has seven tackles, two sacks, and two pass deflections this season, he’s only managed to suit up in two games thanks to injury issues.
Van Ginkel didn’t suit up for either of the Vikings’ European contests in Weeks 4 and 5, with the hope being that some time off in Week 6 would allow him to return for the team’s contest with the Eagles. That hasn’t ended up not being the case, though, as the team ruled out Van Ginkel Friday afternoon.
Vikings Must Find Way to Win Without Andrew Van Ginkel
GettyAndrew Van Ginkel #43 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Chicago Bears.
The Vikings have largely managed to get by without Van Ginkel this season, as they have quite a bit of depth on defense. As he showed last season, though, he has the ability to be one of the most disruptive defensive players in the game when he’s playing at his best. With the season still being early, though, Minnesota doesn’t want to rush one of its stars back onto the field before he’s truly ready to return.
With Van Ginkel out, that likely means that Dallas Turner will earn another start filling in for him on defense. Turner has enjoyed a strong start to the season, as his 20 tackles through five games already match the total he had in 2024 as a rookie. Going against a talented Eagles offense, though, Turner is going to have to step up if the Vikings want to come out on top. Kickoff for this very important game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.
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