The Minnesota Vikings have placed defensive tackle Shamar Stephen on injured reserve and have signed free agent defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis to fill his place, according to Vikings.com.
Stephen's season is over after being carted off the field when he injured his toe against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to The Minneapolis Star Tribune. Stephen hasn't put up big numbers this season, but he was effective at clogging the middle and preventing the run. Stephen had three tackles and a fumble recovered this season.
The New York Giants released Ellis in early October to make room for tight end Will Tye after tight end Daniel Fells was discovered to have a serious MRSA infection. Ellis spent his first four seasons with the New York Jets and was a third round pick in 2011. Ellis recorded his first sack last season and has 53 career tackles.
The Vikings have the 19th best rush defense in the league, but some worry that the loss of Stephen will hurt the middle of the defense. Ellis will have big shoes to fill, and defensive coordinator George Edwards will make sure to put him in positions where he can succeed. The Vikings are 3-2 and face NFC North rival the Detroit Lions this Sunday. It will be interesting to see how many snaps Ellis gets on defense, but he will likely have time to acclimate as the Lions have the worst rushing attack in the league, averaging less than 70 yards per game.
