Vikings Injury Updates: Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth Jr., Brian O'Neill
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and executive director of player health and performance Tyler Williams spoke to Minnesota reporters on Thursday and provided injury updates on a few key players who are rehabbing this offseason.
Lewis Cine
Vikings safety Lewis Cine, their first-round pick out of Georgia a year ago, had his rookie season come to an early end when he suffered a scary leg injury — a compound fracture — in London in Week 4. He's been recovering ever since, and has posted some photos and videos of his progress in recent months.
The Vikings are pleased with the strides Cine is making. O'Connell said he could be ready for the latter part of OTAs in May.
"Raving reviews of A-pluses for him the whole entire offseason," Williams said. "He's been here every single day. Has completely grinded."
Even after suffering a devastating injury, Cine should have a chance to compete for a major role in 2023 if he avoids any setbacks. His all-around skill set and athleticism could make him a difference-maker in Brian Flores' defense.
Andrew Booth Jr.
Ten spots after taking Cine, the Vikings added another high-upside defensive back in former Clemson corner Andrew Booth Jr., a first-round talent with some injury concerns. Those injury concerns bubbled up in his rookie year, as he dealt with multiple ailments before undergoing season-ending knee surgery in November.
Booth is recovering from that injury (it's his left meniscus, specifically) and although he will likely be limited at best during OTAs, O'Connell says he's on track to be good to go for training camp at the end of July.
Brian O'Neill
Star right tackle Brian O'Neill suffered a torn right Achilles at Lambeau Field in Week 17, and the Vikings sorely missed him in their playoff loss against the Giants. He's out of his walking boot and should be ready for training camp, although O'Connell said they'll be careful with him early in camp.
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