Vikings Left Tackle suspended 4 games

David Lewis, Vice President of Operations

Yesterday the NFL suspended Minnesota Viking LT Brian McKinnie for 4 games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. This is a devastating blow to the Vikings who will play against Green Bay, Indianapolis and Carolina during that 4 game span. This suspension directly affects the fantasy value of Adrian Peterson, Tavaris Jackson, and Bernard Berrian. Obviously AP will not have his starting LT to block for him. Artis Hicks is a serviceable replacement, but AP definitely will miss McKinnie’s blocking ability next to Steve Hutchinson. Jackson must now worry about his blind side with McKinnie out. This could affect his production and his ability to deliver Berrian the ball. I’m not suggesting that you bench AP. However, be prepared to see his numbers drop slightly for the first month with McKinnie out.