Cousins, Vikings offense leaving far too many tries short
The Minnesota Vikings emerged from their bye in a favorable position, but the offense squandered the prime time opportunity in a 20-16 loss to DallasNOVEMBER 2, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
DEDE WESTBROOK
Sitting out Sunday night Westbrook (ankle) is inactive for Sunday night's game against Dallas.
Impact Westbrook was only able to put in a limited practice session on Friday and ultimately has been ruled out. Dan Chisena or Ihmir Smith-Marsette could see a handful of snaps on offense as a consequence.
OCTOBER 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Questionable for Week 8 Westbrook (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's contest against the Cowboys.
Impact Westbrook didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday, but he hasn't been ruled out for the Vikings' Week 8 matchup with the Cowboys. If he is sidelined Sunday, K.J. Osborn will likely take over at punt returner, and Ihmir Smith-Marsette may see increased snaps at receiver.
OCTOBER 29, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
DNP on Wednesday Westbrook (ankle) missed the Vikings' practice Wednesday, Craig Peters of the team's official site reports.
Impact The wide receiver appeared on the injury report for the first time Wednesday after the team had its bye in Week 7. Thursday's practice will provide a better gauge of his availability for this weekend. If he can't go, K.J. Osborn will likely take over at punt returner, and Ihmir Smith-Marsette will pick up a few more snaps at receiver.
OCTOBER 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Water Break with Dede Westbrook Minnesota Vikings Latest News
OCTOBER 27, 2021 • VIKINGS.COM
NBA 2021-22 season predictions: 75 picks for the league's 75th season
In honor of the NBA's 75th anniversary, Yaron Weitzman has 75 predictions for the 2021-22 season that tips off tonight.OCTOBER 19, 2021
Osborn giving Vikings' offense much-needed extra dimension
KOCTOBER 18, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Two receptions Sunday Westbrook had two receptions for 13 yards on two targets in Sunday's win at Carolina. He also had three punt returns for a 2.3 yard average.
Impact Westbrook played on 12 of the offense's 89 snaps after playing 14 snaps last week. He's getting more of a look in four-receiver sets which could bode for a larger role later in the season if any injury strikes a top receiver. His main value in the meantime comes as the team's punt returner.
OCTOBER 18, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Win overshadows another strange second half for Vikings
The Vikings scored on their first three possessions and held a 13-3 lead at home Sunday against the winless LionsOCTOBER 11, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Increased usage as receiver Westbrook had three receptions on four targets for 18 yards in Sunday's win over Detroit.
Impact Westbrook played a season-high 14 snaps on offense as he's mostly been used as the team's punt returner. While 18 yards receiving doesn't warrant a look in most fantasy formats, his increase in playing time during a game where the Vikings were not heavily passing merits attention in case it's a sign of an growing role.
OCTOBER 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Logs 17 receiving yards Westbrook caught his lone target for 17 yards in Sunday's loss to the Browns.
Impact Westbrook was on the field for eight offensive snaps, fourth among the team's wide receiver corps. He did manage his first reception since Week 1 and only his second of the campaign. Instead, Westbrook makes his primary impact on special teams, as he also recorded two punt returns for 11 yards.
OCTOBER 6, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Minimal role on offense Westbrook played just two snaps on offense and returned three punts for a 21-yard average in Sunday's loss at Arizona.
Impact Westbrook's role looks essentially limited to punt returns at this point with K.J. Osborn taking over the third receiver role. Osborn caught five of six targets for 91 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's loss.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
One reception in Vikings debut Westbrook had one reception on his only target for 11 yards in Sunday's loss at the Bengals. He also had one punt return for 12 yards.
Impact Westbook worked as the primary punt returner and No. 4 receiver in the offense. He played 15 snaps on offense. While he may have been somewhat eased into action after the team was cautious with him in the preseason while he was coming back from a torn ACL, K.J. Osborn continued to look sharp in the No. 3 receiver role. Westbrook's primary usage may be on punt returns as a result.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Set to return punts Westbrook will be the Vikings' primary punt returner, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Impact Westbrook is returning from an ACL tear that occurred Week 7 of the 2020 season. Along with returning punts, he projects to be Minnesota's No. 4 wide receiver. If he shows no signs of rust, the 27-year-old could certainly compete with K.J. Osborn for more snaps.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Childhood 'Rock Fights' Helped Prep Dede Westbrook for NFL Punt Returning Minnesota Vikings Latest News
SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 • VIKINGS.COM
Vikes rule LB Barr out vs. Bengals with nagging knee trouble
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr has been ruled out for the season opener at CincinnatiSEPTEMBER 10, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Full participant in practice Westbrook (knee) was a full participant in practice Wednesday and said he will "most definitely" be ready for a Week 1 matchup against the Bengals, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul P...
Impact Westbrook only recently started to fully participate in practice after working his way back from a torn ACL suffered Week 7 of last season. It's not clear what role he'll have against the Bengals. K.J. Osborn had a strong preseason and looks set to begin the regular season as the No. 3 receiver, but Westbrook could quickly figure into the mix.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Vikings expect receiver Dede Westbrook to be 'plug-and-play' weapon The biggest question surrounding Westbrook right now is his health.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 • TWINCITIES.COM
Not placed on injured reserve Westbrook (knee) was not placed on injured reserve to begin the season, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
Impact Westbrook only recently starting to participate in team drills as he works his way back from a torn ACL suffered in Week 7 of last season. Since he'll begin the season on the active roster, the Vikings must believe he'll be able to play within the first three games. K.J. Osborn had a strong preseason and looks set to begin the regular season as the No. 3 receiver, but Westbrook could take over the role when back to full strength.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Chad Graff: Good news for the Vikings: Wide receivers... - The Athletic Good news for the Vikings: Wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Dede Westbrook practiced more today than the last two weeks. Jefferson wore a...
AUGUST 23, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Likely sitting Saturday Westbrook (knee) will likely not play in Saturday's preseason game against Indianapolis.
Impact Westbrook suffered his torn ACL in late October of 2020, so he might need more practice time to get into live game shape. Once he's able he should push for the WR3 role behind Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.
AUGUST 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Participates in full-team drills Westbrook (knee) participated in full-team drills during Thursday's practice, Eric Smith of the Vikings' official site reports.
Impact Westbrook has regularly had his reps managed since inking with the Vikings late July, while working his way back from an ACL tear, but it appears that he's now progressed enough to fully participate. Minnesota could continue to take a cautious approach to Westbrook's recovery, so it's not a sure thing that he suits up for Saturday's exhibition match against the Colts, but his chances of making a preseason appearance at some point appear to be increasing.
AUGUST 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Remains limited at practice Westbrook (knee) didn't take many reps at Friday's practice, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Impact This seems to be a recurring theme since the Vikings signed Westbrook in late July, but the approach makes sense considering he suffered a torn ACL in Week 7 of last season. The precise date was Oct. 25, meaning he's only a little more than 10 months removed from the injury. Speaking to the media Friday, coach Mike Zimmer told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press that Westbrook is "a ways away" from being completely healthy. The Vikings have three preseason games on the docket, so an appearance in one of them would be a great sign Westbrook in fact is all the way back.
AUGUST 6, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Chad Graff: Mike Zimmer said Dede Westbrook is "still a... - The Athletic Mike Zimmer said Dede Westbrook is “still a little ways away” from practicing as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL.
AUGUST 4, 2021 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Newest Viking Dede Westbrook eyes dual impact as receiver, returner Westbrook fielded punt after punt in his first Vikings practice Wednesday, making it clear he'll try to help his new team in more ways than...
JULY 29, 2021 • STARTRIBUNE.COM
