Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr was nursing a groin injury that's forced him to miss the last two games. However, he is ready to return.
Continue for updates.
Sunday, Dec. 27
The Vikings confirmed Barr is available to play vs. New York.
Latest on Barr's Practice Status
Friday, Dec. 25
Ben Goessling of ESPN noted Barr participated in full during Friday's session.
Barr Emerging as One of NFL's Young Defensive Stars
Barr is enjoying another strong year for 9-5 Minnesota with 61 tackles, three forced fumbles, 2.5 sacks and one interception from the linebacker position.
Barr burst onto the scene last season as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft. He registered 70 tackles and four sacks in his first 12 games, which made him one of the leading candidates for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
The South Bend, Indiana, native didn't get to see the year through, however, as knee surgery cost him the final month of the season.
Although the surgery wasn't characterized as a major operation, knee injuries are often difficult to navigate, which led to some uncertainty regarding Barr's status leading up to the 2015 campaign.
Barr sat out Minnesota's first two preseason games, but he was ultimately ready to play when the regular season began. Unfortunately for the Vikings, his durability issues have crept up once again.
Barr is a vital piece of Minnesota's defense, as he is part of one of the NFL's most talented linebacker corps, along with Chad Greenway and Eric Kendricks.
His teammates are well aware of how important he is, as cornerback Captain Munnerlyn recently marveled at what Barr brings to the table, per Jim Souhan of the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Barr is special. He can rush, he can cover, he's fast, he's got so much freakish athleticism, and he does things so effortlessly. The guy is running down the field on a wheel route and everybody is saying, 'Oh, no, this is going to be a big play,' and then Barr sticks his long arms out there and makes the play. I'm like, 'Wow.'
The Vikes are somewhat lacking in terms of depth at linebacker, which means veteran Jason Trusnik and second-round rookie Edmond Robinson will likely welcome Barr's return to the lineup.
