As Vikings defensive end Jared Allen enters his contract year, the perennial Pro Bowl has a problem. Unless he doesn’t.
Per multiple reports, Allen suffered an ankle injury during practice on Tuesday. He left the practice field limping, with the ankle wrapped.
“We’ll look it over and determine whether or not we need to do an MRI,” coach Leslie Frazier said, via Dan Wiederer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Allen, who we just realized looks a little like the guy who plays Wilfred in Wilfred, wasn’t going to play in the preseason opener against the Texans even if he were healthy.
The Vikings have every reason to protect Allen. He carries a cap number of more than $17 million, with 2013 compensation in excess of $14 million.
The team has shown no inclination to extend Allen’s contract, which could dramatically reduce his current-year cap charge.