The upcoming Sunday clash between the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers holds significant stakes, with both teams standing at a 7-8 record. The victor in this contest remains well-positioned for a playoff spot, while the loser faces effective elimination from postseason contention.
In a recent development, the Vikings have taken proactive measures by making an emergency signing ahead of their critical matchup against the Packers. According to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, the team has officially signed veteran linebacker Anthony Barr from their practice squad, filling an open roster spot left by the placement of outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum on injured reserve. Wonnum underwent surgery to address a quadriceps muscle issue.
Anthony Barr, a first-round pick by the Vikings in the 2014 draft, had joined the team’s practice squad in November. He was previously elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for Week 11 against the Denver Broncos and Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, registering one tackle and a fumble recovery in 26 defensive snaps.
Notably, Barr spent the first eight years of his career with the Vikings, making this signing particularly noteworthy for Packers fans who are familiar with his history as a key player for their rival team. Over the past five-plus weeks, Barr has been adapting to the new defensive scheme implemented by Brian Flores, who studied Barr during his time in Mike Zimmer’s defensive system from 2014 to 2021. The Vikings’ defensive strategies this season include a double-A gap look, a facet of the game that Zimmer had mastered.
As the anticipation builds for the Sunday matchup, observers are curious to see the extent of Barr’s involvement and the impact he may have against his former team. Despite the uncertainty about the number of snaps Barr will play, it’s expected that the veteran linebacker will be eager to take the field against his familiar rival.
