The Minnesota Vikings are a loyal organization as evidenced by their decision to re-sign tight end Rhett Ellison. The 27-year-old pass-catcher tore the patellar tendon in his right knee in Week 17, a devastating injury for any player, especially one who was about to hit free agency.
A patellar tendon tear is the same injury suffered by New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, who hasn't taken the field in two years, and Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham, who could miss time in 2016. It's an incredibly difficult injury to return from which likely made it hard for Ellison, a 2012 fourth-round pick, to drum up any interest on the open market. Fortunately, Minnesota announced Tuesday that they had re-signed him.
Ellison has started 35 games for the Vikings over the last four seasons. He has primarily been used as the blocking counterpart to Kyle Rudolph, who is Minnesota's main pass-catching tight end. Last year, Ellison caught 18 passes for 124 yards and one touchdown in 15 games. For his career, he has hauled in 42 passes for 458 yards and three scores in 58 games.
MyCole Pruitt, a 2015 fifth-rounder, is the only other tight end on Minnesota's roster after Rudolph, who has his own significant injury history, and Ellison. However, since Ellison will likely start the 2016 season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, expect the Vikings to target another tight end either via free agency or in the 2016 NFL Draft.
In the meantime, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater could use some healthy and able targets in the passing game. Rookie Stefon Diggs led the team in receiving with 52 catches for 720 yards and four touchdowns last year. While talented, he may not be a true No. 1 option. Bridgewater and Mike Wallace never got on the same page, leading to the speedster's release, and Charles Johnson struggled with a nagging rib injury all season that rendered him ineffective. The Vikings finished 2015 ranked No. 31 in receptions (294), receiving yards per game (202.9) and receiving touchdowns (14).
Hopefully Ellison can get healthy and provide a little help in Minnesota's anemic passing offense.
For more, follow Brandon Katz on Twitter: @Great_Katzby
