In the wake of Jordan Hicks’ injury, the Minnesota Vikings are set to bring back veteran linebacker Anthony Barr, as reported by Adam Schefter. Barr is expected to sign with the practice squad, according to information from Ben Goessling.
Hicks, the Vikings’ standout team captain and leading tackler, recently underwent an emergency procedure due to compartment syndrome in his shin, which occurred on Sunday. As of mid-day Monday, he remained hospitalized and is slated to miss at least one game, potentially more.
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The pressure in that area, the damage it can cause if not handled with the utmost level of concern like our guys showed, could have been something that could have been very serious.”
While Hicks’ surgery was successful, the timeline for his return remains uncertain. Consequently, the Vikings are seeking reinforcement at the inside linebacker position, leading to the decision to bring back Anthony Barr.
Barr, 31, is a familiar face for Vikings fans, having been the team’s first-round pick from UCLA in 2014. He played a pivotal role in the defense throughout the eight-year tenure of former head coach Mike Zimmer. Known for his size and physicality, Barr earned Pro Bowl honors in four consecutive years from 2015 to 2018, forming a dynamic linebacker duo with Eric Kendricks.
However, when the Vikings underwent a coaching regime change in 2022, they allowed Barr to depart in free agency, opting to sign Jordan Hicks as his replacement. Barr then joined the Dallas Cowboys, playing in 14 games and starting ten during the last season. Since the conclusion of the previous season, Barr has been a free agent.
Although Barr may not be the player he once was, his extensive experience, with 115 career starts and over 7,000 defensive snaps, makes him a valuable addition. Despite the absence of Kendricks, Barr has shared the field with key defensive figures like Harrison Smith and Danielle Hunter during his career.
With Hicks sidelined, rookie Ivan Pace Jr. is expected to take on the green dot communication duties and assume a nearly every-down role on defense. The addition of Barr provides the Vikings with added experience, size, and versatility in the linebacker corps. His proficiency as a blitzer also aligns well with the aggressive defensive scheme implemented by Brian Flores. In addition to Barr, the Vikings have other inside linebacker options, including Troy Dye, Nick Vigil, and Brian Asamoah II.