The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their international game in Dublin, Ireland, against the Minnesota Vikings, and Mike Tomlin's team just caught a major break. The team officially announced on Friday that Pro Bowl outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel has been ruled out for Sunday's game with a neck injury.
Van Ginkel isn't the only Vikings starter who will be absent this week. Starting guard Donovan Jackson will miss this week's contest against the Steelers with a wrist injury. Meanwhile, second-year quarterback and 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy remains sidelined with a high ankle sprain.
Last week, the Vikings survived just fine without McCarthy—trouncing the Cincinnati Bengals in a 48-10 win. Veteran QB Carson Wentz looked solid when called upon, and he will take the reins against the Steelers. Minnesota's biggest loss in Week 4 could prove to be Van Ginkel.
Van Ginkel, a veteran pass rusher who played his first five seasons with the Miami Dolphins, is coming off a Pr Bowl season in his first year with the Vikings in 2024. In 17 games last season, Van Ginkel racked up 79 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, six pass deflections, two interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns.
On paper, Van Ginkel was more productive than Steelers star T.J. Watt last season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' job on offense got a bit easier without Vikings star Andrew Van Ginkel
Van Ginkel is one of Minnesota's best players, so his inability to suit up again this week is a major blow to the Vikings' defense.
Van Ginkel is coming off a game in which he somehow managed to record two sacks on just eight defensive snaps before leaving last week's contest early with a neck injury. The veteran pass rusher is one of the best splash playmakers at the edge rusher position in the NFL, and he's capable of wrecking the game on a moment's notice.
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While their task won't be easy this week against Brian Flores' exotic blitz defense, the offensive line can breathe a bit easier knowing Van Ginkel won't be in the lineup.
This absence most favors second-year right tackle Troy Fautanu, who likely would have been lined up against Van Ginkel for much of the game. Fautanu has struggled with consistency this year after missing all but one game during his rookie season in 2024. Van Ginkel could have had a big day against the inexperienced tackle.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have numerous issues to figure out along the offensive line, and communication will be key this week against one of the league's most creative defenses. We never wish injury upon anyone, but the absence of Andrew Van Ginkel this week could make things a bit easier for Mike Tomlin's team.