Two days away from the Minnesota Vikings third preseason game, the team has announced cornerback Marcus Sherels will be the punt returner to start the season. Sherels was also in the mix a year ago, averaging 8.4 yards per return.
Head coach Leslie Frazier made the announcement Wednesday, but indicated that the competition is still open, ”We’ve still got guys fighting for that position.”
Others still in the mix include WR Jarius Wright, WR Steve Burton, and CB Josh Robinson.
Personally I’d like to see Robinson get a shot. We all know by now that he was the fastest player in this year’s draft, and he has experience from college. In 2010 he returned 20 punts for an average of 15.2.
In other news, nose tackle Letroy Guion is still experiencing pain in his right knee, and will miss Friday’s game against the San Diego Chargers.
Guion sprained his PCL two weeks back, and had been sporting a large brace when he returned to practice this week.
“Flared up again, we just feel like we need to give him more time,” said head coach Frazier. I thought he was doing a good job. We were encouraged by his work, the way he had come back, with his attitude. He had his weight at a great position, which he has maintained. It’s unfortunate he’s missing all these reps.”
The Vikings are counting on Guion to be a force on their defensive line this season. While his lingering knee issue is concerning, rest is the correct action. The season opener is still 18 days away, and there’s no need to rush an important player back.
In Guion’s absence, keep an eye on backups Christian Ballard and Fred Evans, who will be competing for the starting job if Guion can’t get healthy.
Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter @the_realfish
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