The Vikings are likely to activate quarterback Taylor Heinicke following the club’s Week 9 game against the Lions, a source tells Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. Heinicke has spent the season on the non-football injury list after suffering a freak injury to his left foot in July.
[RELATED: Teddy Bridgewater’s Career In Jeopardy?]
Minnesota waived fellow quarterback Joel Stave from its practice squad earlier this week, a move that not only signaled confidence in Heinicke’s ability to return, but will allow him to garner more snaps during practice sessions, the source told Tomasson. Heinicke, 23, returned to practice earlier this month, starting the clock on a three-week window during which the Vikings must place him on the 53-man roster. If he’s not activated by November 9, Heinicke will miss the remainder of the season.
If and when he returns to the active roster, Heinicke would served as the Vikings’ third quarterback behind Sam Bradford and Shaun Hill. He’d also have practice squad eligibility, but Minnesota would have to feel comfortable placing him on waivers before sneaking him onto its taxi squad. Heinicke, a 2015 undrafted free agent, was on the Vikings’ roster for his entire rookie campaign, but was never active for a game.
This guy here should have been our future it will be good to have him back and see what he does. From the limited time I seen him in action he was solid. If he was not injured when teddy went down he would have been the starter now. He was a mobile athletic run and gun passer. Tyron Taylor type. I feel much more confident with him back on the team as our back up. The question remains. How rusty is he?
I saw him play four years at ODU. Trust me, he will be ready. Can’t wait to see him get an opportunity.