Heading into the 2024 NFL campaign, Minnesota Vikings rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner was among the favorites to win the league’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award at the end of the season.
Well, if Turner is going to be the recipient of that award, he’ll need to get on the field for more than four defensive snaps per game, which can’t be said about his last two appearances for the Vikings.
In Minnesota’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Thursday, Turner only notched three defensive snaps, which was one less than the four defensive snaps he was given against the Detroit Lions in the previous week. His snaps on defense have significantly decreased since the Vikings returned from their bye week, and no one, including the rookie himself, is really sure why.
Minnesota Vikings rookie Dallas Turner unsure why he’s not getting more playing time
On Monday, Turner was asked by KSTP’s Darren Wolfson if he has any explanation for why he’s only been on the field for a total of seven defensive snaps in the team’s last two games, and the rookie didn’t hold anything back with his answer.
“I don’t know. But [I’m still] working every day in practice, still getting better, still learning from my guys. Whatever works best for the team. I ain’t really complaining.
…Any way I can help the team [by] going out there and affect the quarterback and impact the game any type of way, I’m up for it.”
If Turner is frustrated by his lack of playing time recently, he certainly hides it well. At this point in the season, it sounds like he’s just willing to do whatever Minnesota asks of him, even if that doesn’t include getting more time on the defensive side of the ball.
After Vikings pass rusher Patrick Jones II accumulated 11 pressures and five sacks in the team’s first four games this year, he hasn’t generated a single pressure or sack in any of Minnesota’s last three matchups, according to PFF.
So, with Jones struggling, the Vikings should probably consider giving Turner more of a chance during their next few games, right? But, honestly, what’s the worst that could really happen?
Minnesota thought highly enough of the rookie back in April to trade up in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to select him, so why hasn’t he been given a better shot to prove he can make an impact?
Maybe things will change for Turner during the Vikings’ next game in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts, and he’ll be given more opportunities on defense. But if not, and he’s still not getting on the field, then the confusion about his lack of playing time is only going to grow larger.
