Andrew Van Ginkel Could Land on Vikings PUP List Too

At this stage of the offseason, it’s been quite clear that Minnesota Vikings’ tight end T.J. Hockenson will start the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. If placed on the PUP list, a player is required to miss a minimum of four regular season games.

But Hockenson isn’t the only notable name that could start the season physically unable to perform. According to Alec Lewis (The Athletic), newly signed free agent linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel could also join him.

Andrew Van Ginkel bound for Minnesota Vikings PUP list?

Van Ginkel has yet to practice this offseason for the Minnesota Vikings. That means he has missed all of organized team activities and minicamp, as he rehabs a Lisfranc foot injury suffered last season, in his final regular season game with the Miami Dolphins.

It’s very likely that #Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson will start the season on the PUP list, but OLB Andrew Van Ginkel could also be candidate to join that list too, per @Alec_Lewis 🧐

“Both Hockenson and Van Ginkel jogged on ancillary practice fields during mandatory minicamp at the… pic.twitter.com/WW6LtKS4CM

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) July 2, 2024

Both Hockenson and Van Ginkel jogged on ancillary practice fields during mandatory minicamp at the TCO Performance Center. Hockenson is rehabbing a torn ACL and MCL, suffered in Week 16, while Van Ginkel is returning from a Lisfranc foot injury, which occurred in January.

O’Connell has been open about both players. The Vikings don’t want to rush either player back, and they’d prefer a longer span of health over a quicker return. The early portions of training camp should provide indications as to whether either player could end up on the PUP list.

Alec Lewis (The Athletic)

There’s no clear timeline for return on either Hockenson or Van Ginkel. With that being said, Lewis is clearly indicating that it’s very possible both land on the PUP list. We knew the 29-year-old former Dolphin was still dealing with this foot injury. After Alec’s report, however, it’s sounding like the Vikings could be without their newly signed EDGE rusher for at least the first four games of their season.

What are the Minnesota Vikings’ missing if Andrew Van Ginkel does have to miss time?

Recovery timelines for Lisfranc injuries vary. Those that require surgery, according to Mass General Brigham‘s website, can take anywhere from four to twelve months… so that doesn’t really help narrow it down.

Minnesota Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell did speak recently and mentioned that he was “pleased” with where Van Ginkel was at in his recovery process. But that means next to nothing, let’s just be honest.

Related: Are We Counting JJ McCarthy Out as Vikings Starting QB Too Soon?

Van Ginkel wasn’t a full time starter for the Miami Dolphins last season. But in his part-time role, Andrew graded out extremely high per Pro Football Focus (PFF). He finished with an overall grade of 91.1. His pass rush grade was 90.6, his run defense grade a 76.3. This is not just good, it’s elite.

Andrew Van Ginkel is aggressive in the run game with how he takes on pulling blockers. He knows which gap he needs to seal and plays with good leverage to allows others to make the play. He made the run stop in one impressive play where he was able to bend around the puller. pic.twitter.com/9U8osMVk9j

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) March 26, 2024

If Van Ginkel has to miss time to start the season, it would mean a likely starting spot for rookie outside linebacker, Dallas Turner, who the Vikings took No. 17 overall back in April.

Speaking of Turner, you have to believe Kwesi traded up to get him, not just because of his talent and what he could provide in the future, but also his immediate NFL readiness, knowing that Van Ginkel could miss multiple games to start the season.