Minnesota Vikings get critical defender back at practice

Injuries have decimated the Minnesota Vikings cornerback room over the last few months. Khyree Jackson passed away in a tragic car accident followed by Mekhi Blackmon tearing his ACL on the first day of training camp.

On the second day of training camp, cornerback Shaquill Griffin hurt his hamstring and he has yet to return to the practice field, that is until Monday. Griffin r eturned to practice and he was joined by fellow cornerback Stephon Gilmore who officially signed on Monday.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell gave an update on Griffin when he was speaking about the signing of Gilmore.

"I know our coaching staff. Flo myself are, you know, we're very, very excited to have him added to the group, a guy that has decorated as he is coming off of a really strong year in Dallas last year, and we'll only add to the group, as well as hopefully working Shaq back in as we roll through the week, and only the next week as well. So we've been able to sustain even though we've had some things at that position throughout the summer and in the training camp obviously be some setbacks and some significant losses."

Getting Griffin back before the season is going to be really important. He still needs to learn the nuances of the defense and will also elevate the room to a solid level. They aren't going to be a great group this year, but 2021 Cincinnati Bengals went to the Super Bowl with a subpar group of cornerbacks and the Vikings could do the same.

Related: Pro Football Focus gives absurd grade to Vikings guard, fans clamor for Dalton Risner