The standout guard set a comeback goal for Week 9 after missing 4 games

The Minnesota Vikings dropped to 3-4 on the season after a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football in Week 8. Carson Wentz was forced to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery after the game. The Vikings now plan to move forward with JJ McCarthy. The second-year quarterback is expected to get his first start from Week 2 on Sunday.

Minnesota could also return a key defensive contributor for a Week 9 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Andrew Van Ginkel he told reporters that his goal is to return to the field on Sunday, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. The seven-year veteran has been sidelined since Week 3 with a neck injury.

Van Ginkel suffered a concussion in the season opener against the Chicago Bears. After one game, he returned to the field in Week 3 to face the Cincinnati Bengals. However, his return was short-lived as a neck injury forced an early exit. Van Ginkel avoided IR but missed the next four games due to illness.

Andrew Van Ginkel hopes to rejoin the Vikings in Week 9

Van Ginkel played just eight snaps against the Bengals before suffering the injury. But he had an immediate impact on the Vikings, recording two sacks in limited playing time. The 30-year-old defensive end racked up 11.5 sacks in 2024, making his first career Pro Bowl.

However, this season has been a struggle. While Van Ginkel stated that playing in Week 9 is “the goal,” it still exists some uncertainty with an injury. “It’s been a long process and I’ve been cautious about how I’ve been able to handle this,” Van Ginkel added, per the Vikings’ team website.

The veteran participant declined to comment on the nature of his neck injury and declined to say whether the ailment might require surgery.

Vikings too lost Christian Deriso in Week 8 after re-aggravating his knee injury. Derrisau suffered a torn ACL last season and missed the first three weeks of 2025 while recovering.

Fortunately for Vikings fans, McCarthy, Dariso and Van Ginkel had full practices on Wednesday. A positive start to the week puts the trio on track to start against the Lions in Week 9.

Van Ginkel admitted that he wants to go back to work. “It’s been eating me up. And I can’t wait to get back on the court.”