Emergency Rescue! Vikings Secure 4-Time Pro Bowler Amidst Injury Crisis

Throughout much of the season, the Minnesota Vikings have had to navigate challenges posed by injuries, and Week 17 is no exception. Dealing with a substantial injury report that includes 12 players working through various issues, the Vikings have reintroduced a familiar face for their Week 17 clash with NFC North rival Green Bay Packers.

The official announcement on December 29 conveyed, “The #Vikings have signed Anthony Barr from the practice squad to the active roster.” Barr, originally the No. 9 overall pick in the 2014 draft by the Vikings, spent nine seasons with the team before joining the Dallas Cowboys in free agency in 2022. In his lone season with the Cowboys, Barr notched 58 combined tackles, two fumble recoveries, and one sack, starting 10 of his 14 games.

Standing at 6-foot-5, Barr is a versatile linebacker who returned to the Vikings in November, initially joining the practice squad. This marks his third game back with the main team, having logged 26 total snaps in the previous two outings and recording one tackle while recovering a fumble by Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields in Week 12.

.@NoExcuses_23 and @AnthonyBarr team up for the MASSIVE play.

📺: @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/e4ZIWVHzX7

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 28, 2023

With practice squad players permitted a maximum of three elevations before being required to sign to the active roster, the Vikings opted to bring Barr back directly. This move became possible due to open roster spots resulting from placing T.J. Hockenson and DJ Wonnum on injured reserve. Barr’s addition is particularly pertinent given the questionable status of linebacker Troy Dye (wrist), one of the 12 players listed on the Vikings’ injury report.

Barr returned to Minnesota on a one-year, $1.2 million contract, a notable reduction from his peak contract of four years and $67 million, which included four Pro Bowl appearances. Despite injuries playing a role in his decline and departure from Minnesota, the Vikings recognize his potential contribution, especially as they strive to secure a playoff berth.