Jared Allen Calls on Vikings to Step Up Ahead of Crucial Lions Matchup
Minnesota Vikings legend Jared Allen has issued a pointed message to his former team ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the Detroit Lions. In an interview on the October 27 edition of the “Up & Adams” show, Allen expressed his concerns about the Vikings' recent performances and emphasized the importance of stepping up against their division rivals.
“The offense has been putting up points,” Allen noted, “but we weren’t really blown out until this past game. It’s crucial that the team comes together and plays with the intensity and focus needed to compete at a high level.” He highlighted the significance of the upcoming game against the Lions, urging the Vikings to demonstrate their resilience and commitment.
Allen's comments reflect his enduring passion for the Vikings and his desire to see them succeed. As a former standout defensive end for Minnesota, he remains deeply invested in the team's fortunes. His words serve as a reminder of the high standards and expectations that come with wearing the purple and gold.
The Vikings will look to heed Allen's advice as they prepare for their crucial divisional clash with the Lions. A strong performance in this game could be pivotal in turning their season around and positioning themselves for a playoff push.
Detroit Lions missing 3 players from practice, but get a handful of others back
ALLEN PARK -- In the first practice open to reporters after the bye week, the Detroit Lions were missing four players but got a handful of others back.
Those back at practice were safety Daniel Thomas, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, defensive back Avonte Maddox and running back Sione Vaki. Thomas (forearm) and Rodriguez (knee) had their 21-day return windows opened this week on the road to returning to action. Both defenders remain on injured lists and have the next two-plus weeks of practice to get activated.
Vaki has been out for the last month-plus, but the Lions hope to get him ready to go against the Minnesota Vikings this weekend. Maddox has missed the last two games due to a hamstring injury. His return would boost the nickelback and safety depth.
The Lions also saw the return of safety Brian Branch from his suspension on Tuesday. Cornerback Terrion Arnold was back at practice as expected after returning for one session last week. Arnold has missed two games with his re-aggravated shoulder injury.
They were missing All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph (knee), running back Craig Reynolds (hamstring) and pass rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad (undisclosed). Taylor Decker was not initially spotted by reporters during the open window. But the veteran left tackle was at Tuesday’s practice.
Decker is also expected back at practice to end the week, too. The Lions are off on Wednesday, so they plan to work him back into action after more time to rehab and get ready. Decker was back in the starting lineup before the bye week on Monday night after missing two straight games. At this point, he is no stranger to playing despite limited practice reps.
It’s not clear what’s going on with Muhammad. He wasn’t listed with an injury coming out of the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so we’ll know more when the team releases the official practice report later this afternoon.
Joseph didn’t play in the game heading into the bye week as the Lions tried to get him and his injured knee extra time to heal. The safety has been dealing with knee issues dating back to training camp, and his missed game against the Bucs was his lone absence of the campaign. Dan Campbell and Joseph were confident the bye week would do the safety a lot of good. Now, it’s just about getting him back on the practice field to see how he feels before Sunday.
The safety has three interceptions through seven games despite the lingering knee injury. Jim O’Neill, the team’s safeties coach and a defensive assistant, credited Joseph for the dedication he’s shown to work through the issue and try to get it right.
“He’s working coaches’ hours because he’s here early in the morning getting treatment,“ O’Neill said. ”He’s in the meeting rooms after getting treatment. He’s doing everything. I know last week he spent the whole week, you know, taking care of himself and doing some things out on his own.
“Just how he’s attacked it professionally, and how he’s helped some of the young guys that have come in, too ... But when he goes, I haven’t seen a drop. I think he’s been the same Kerby that we’re all used to seeing. I’m sure there are a few plays this year that he would like to have back. You know what I mean? But that’s with everybody.”
Reynolds (hamstring) and cornerback D.J. Reed were spotted working to the side with trainers. Reed still has one game left to serve for his minimum stay on injured reserve before he can return to practice.
