Andrew Van Ginkel Suddenly ‘Good to Go’?

Andrew Van Ginkel is one of two free agent outside linebackers signed by the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. That’s why it was a bit surprising a few weeks ago, when news broke that he may not be available at the start of the 2024 season. Van Ginkel suffered a foot injury at the end of last year, and recovery was taking longer than expected.

Just two weeks ago, reports surfaced that Andrew was expected to land on the PUP list out of training camp. That would mean he’d miss at least the first four games of the season. That would be a massive kick to the groin of Brian Flores and his defense, which is already lacking weapons.

Andrew Van Ginkel “good to go” all of a sudden?

But hold on… don’t panic quite yet, Twins fans. Because according to Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (SKOR North), Andrew Van Ginkel is now “good to go”. We do not know if that means for training camp or for game one of the regular season, but either would be a win.

As Doogie notes, the same cannot be said for TJ Hockenson, who isn’t even sure he will be ready in time for the Vikings’ game in London, which isn’t until October 6 vs the New York Jets.

“There’s a sense that Andrew Van Ginkel is good to go. This foot situation took too long [to recover from] but he is in a good spot. TJ Hockenson though, he was on [The Bussin with the Boys] podcast and they were trying to get him going on if he would be back for the London game, which is in early October, and he was non-committal on that. So, it’s going to be a little bit on TJ Hockenson.”

This is a very interesting report, because Wolfson kind of just glosses over it. The last we heard, Van Ginkel was tracking for the PUP list. Now, he’s “good to go”? Again, we do not know if that means he could suit up right now and not be held back in any way, or that he will be ready for the start of the regular season, we do not know.

Minnesota Vikings need Andrew Van Ginkel on the field

While working as part of a 2023 OLB timeshare in Miami, the 29-year-old Wisconsin Badger graded extremely high at 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

Let’s hope Wolfson is right and that Van Ginkel will be available day one for the Minnesota Vikings. Without him, a defense that already has a lot of holes, looks desperately depleted.

Related: Vikings’ First Round Rookies Unlikely to Hold Out of Training Camp

Sure, rookie Dallas Turner could slide in and play ok at OLB, but even then, a lack of depth at that position would lead to less pressure on opposing QBs and more pressure on a Vikings secondary that has very few proven NFL pieces.

As for TJ Hockenson, Vikings fans need to mentally prepare themselves to be without the superstar tight end of half of the 2024 season. Anything he plays beyond 8 games should be considered a bonus.