Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson has been confident throughout the offseason that he would be the team’s starting middle linebacker next season. Henderson was moved inside after spending the majority of his career as an outside linebacker.
Despite thoughts the Vikings were looking to find a more suitable option throughout the offseason, Henderson has remained adamant in his ability to hold the position for Minnesota. Now with the addition of Desmond Bishop the question has emerged once again about the team’s plans for Henderson.
Henderson once again said he’ll be the Vikings middle linebacker on Thursday. In an interview with Tim Ryan and Pat Kirwan on Sirius XM NFL radio, Henderson said there are no plans for him to move back outside.
“At this point there’s no plans of me moving back to the outside,” Henderson said. “I’m still playing middle linebacker after speaking with my coaches. That’s the decision that they made and what they want to do right now. I’m still embracing it. I’m still looking forward to it and I’m still excited about the opportunity to get out there and play Mike for the Vikings.”
So if Henderson stays in the middle what does that mean for Bishop? Bishop said he can play both inside and outside for the Vikings and believes his versatility will allow him to play where the Vikings need him. Henderson said he looks forward to working with Bishop.
“I’m excited about the addition of Desmond,” Henderson said. “I think he brings some different things to the table. He showed he can be a pretty good linebacker out there in Green Bay with the things he did up therewith the Packers. I look forward to him bringing that same mentality and that same attitude over to the Vikings and going out there and trying to get some things done and make some plays together.”