Do you have a comment or question? Send it to the vikings.com Mailbag! Every Monday we'll post several comments and/or questions as part of the vikings.com Monday Morning Mailbag. Although we can't post every comment or question, we will reply to every question submitted.
Click here to submit a comment or question to the Mailbag. Remember to include your name and town on the email. The questions below have been edited for clarity.
You can also send Eric a Mailbag question via Twitter.
I was sad to lose Linval Joseph, but excited to see Michael Pierce take over his spot. Now, hearing that he is opting out of the 2020 season, it brings up a question: If significant advances are made in the treatment or prevention of COVID-19 between now and the start of the season, can players opt back in? Thanks!
— Ryan Pickett South St. Paul, Minnesota
Ryan starts us off with the big news from last week that free-agent signee Michael Pierce opted out (high-risk category) for the 2020 season.
At this moment in time, no, a player cannot opt back in after choosing to opt out for the 2020 season. Even if there are advancements made against COVID-19 (and we all hope that is the case), players who have chosen to opt out will not be playing during this season.
The absence of Pierce will be big, and not just because he is 6-foot and 340 pounds. He is an absolute beast as a run stuffer in the middle of the defensive line, as evidence by his work with the Ravens in recent years. But with that said, he has all of my support for choosing to focus on the health and himself and his family during this time.
Here is what Pierce, who has asthma and dealt with pneumonia in 2017, said on a recent radio interview about his decision: "I really realized that if something like that gets out of hand, I can not only end up in the hospital, but I could potentially end up in the grave."
With Pierce out for the 2020 season, the onus will now fall on players such as Jaleel Johnson, Armon Watts and Jalyn Holmes at defensive tackle for the Vikings. Those players have a chance to prove what they can do if they win a starting job. Minnesota also could turn to Shamar Stephen, who started 15 games in 2019, to move over to Joseph's former post.
Hello from Slovakia, heart of Europe. I'm a Vikings fan since I started watching the NFL in 2017 (too shortly, I know :D) and I admire this site, thanks for that. By the way, my question is if you could explain a little bit how the squad functions during the season. I know that our limit at the moment is 90 players, during the season 53 men, I think. I know something about practice squad, but I'm not sure about the process, the dates, injuries and so on...thanks lot. SKOL.
— Róbert Šubert in Trenčín, Slovakia
View photos of Vikings players who participated in workouts at TCO Performance Center.
Thanks for the email, Robert, and the passion from across the pond. NFL rosters will look a little bit different during training camp and during the season, and here's a breakdown.
All NFL teams must be at 80 players by August 16, a new rule this summer due to the pandemic. Teams will have their usual 53-man rosters once the season starts, but practice squads will have more players.
They were usually at 10 players in years past but will be bumped up to 16 players this season to provide extra depth for teams to help protect against players potentially going on the COVID/Reserve list and missing time. Teams can add players to the active roster from their practice squad in case of injuries or other roster moves.
Teams will also have more access to players on game day. A rule in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2021-30 was adopted for the 2020 season, expanding the number of players who can suit up from 46 to 48. One of those extra two players must be an additional offensive lineman.
I hope that answers your questions, and thanks again for your support for Vikings Entertainment Network from afar.
What changes are being planned for the Vikings offense? With Stefon Diggs gone, and a WR replacement needed, I'm wondering what kind of changes are the Vikings offense going to be focusing on and or changing all together? SKOL Vikings in the desert southwest.
— David Miller in Tucson, Arizona
View photos of the Vikings 53-man roster as of January 4, 2021.
14 QB Sean Mannion
4 QB Sean Mannion
19 WR Adam Thielen
19 WR Adam Thielen
20 CB Jeff Gladney
20 CB Jeff Gladney
39 CB Dylan Mabin
39 CB Dylan Mabin
40 LB Todd Davis
42 LS Andrew DePaola
42 LS Andrew DePaola
44 S Josh Metellus
45 LB Troy Dye
48 LB Blake Lynch
48 LB Blake Lynch
61 C Brett Jones
68 G Kyle Hinton
73 G Dru Samia
85 WR Dan Chisena
87 TE Hale Hentges
87 TE Hale Hentges
96 DT Armon Watts
96 DT Armon Watts
There will be a few personnel changes this season, with Justin Jefferson and Tajaé Sharpe likely the top candidates to replace Diggs at wide receiver. The five starters on the offensive line still needs to be sorted out, but there could be a few new starters there, too, mainly at the guard spots.
But as far as the schematic tweaks on offense, don't look for any huge changes. With Gary Kubiak now calling the offensive plays — and based off the influence he had in 2019 as an advisor and assistant head coach — the system won't change much when Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and crew are on the field.
If anything, there should be some measure of stability and continuity on offense since the majority of the skill players return and are familiar with Kubiak's scheme and coaching style. The Vikings offense played well in 2019, and the hope for that unit is that they take another step forward in 2020.
With the unusual training camp and the lack of preseason games, does Troy Dye have any chance of meaningful situational time on the field beyond playing on special teams? Dye has a great combination of frame, speed and a high Football IQ. It seems as though he'd be a great fit for passing downs to cover tight ends and for drops to the middle zones. He's also shown that he's got the speed and tackling ability on the blitz. Dye still needs to add some bulk and strength to be on the field regularly but he would not be too hurt by the lack of bulk on pass downs. The Vikings will be in a tough cap situation next year, and I wonder if the staff want to see Dye on the field early and often in order to see if he could be an adequate replacement should Anthony Barr's contract prove too much to carry in 2021? Skol Vikings!
— Tom Fowler in Palm Harbor, Florida
View photos of Vikings new fourth round draft pick Oregon LB Troy Dye.
Oregon inside linebacker Troy Dye (35) warms up prior to the start of an NCAA college football game against Oregon State in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. Oregon won 24-10. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) dives and sacks Utah quarterback Troy Williams (3) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/George Frey)
Southern California wide receiver Deontay Burnett (80) makes a gain and is stopped short of the end zone by Oregon's Troy Dye in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Los Angeles on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye poses for a headshot during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye waits to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye waits to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Oregon defensive tackle Jordon Scott and linebacker Troy Dye celebrates with the trophy after their win against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert, from left, defensive tackle Jordon Scott and linebacker Troy Dye celebrates with the trophy after their win against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye celebrates after their win against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye celebrates after their win against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert, from left, defensive tackle Jordon Scott and linebacker Troy Dye celebrates with the trophy after their win against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) celebrates with teammates Deommodore Lenoir (6) and Brady Breeze (25) after Dye intercepted a Utah pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game for the Pac-12 Conference championship in Santa Clara, Calif., Friday, Dec. 6, 2018. Oregon won 37-15. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye celebrates after their win against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye celebrates after their win against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert and linebacker Troy Dye celebrates with the trophy after their win against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye holds the trophy as quarterback Justin Herbert, left, and safety Brady Breeze look on after their win against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Oregon inside linebacker Troy Dye (35) poses for photos following an NCAA college football game against Oregon State in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. Oregon won 24-10. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon inside linebacker Troy Dye (35) hugs Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal during a recognition ceremony for senior players prior to the start of an NCAA college football game against Oregon State in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. Oregon won 24-10. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
FILE - In this Dec. 6, 2018, file photo, Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) celebrates with teammate Deommodore Lenoir (6) after Dye intercepted a Utah pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game for the Pac-12 Conference championship, in Santa Clara, Calif. Dye was selected to The Associated Press All-Pac 12 Conference team, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)
Oregon inside linebacker Troy Dye (35) celebrates following an NCAA college football game against Oregon State in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. Oregon won 24-10. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye answers questions during the Pac-12 Conference NCAA college football Media Day Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Oregon's Troy Dye dances on the field between the third and fourth quarters of the NCAA college football game against Nevada Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
Oregon's Troy Dye celebrates the Ducks' win over California at the end of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct.. 5, 2019, in Eugene, Ore. Oregon defeated California 17-7. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate, left, looks for a receiver as Oregon's Troy Dye closes in during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
FILE - In this July 24, 2019, file photo, Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert answers questions during the Pac-12 Conference NCAA college football Media Day in Los Angeles. With the return of senior leaders Justin Herbert and Troy Dye, expectations are high for the Oregon Ducks this season. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) against Stanford during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) against Stanford during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye answers questions during the Pac-12 Conference NCAA college football Media Day Wednesday, July 24, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) against Stanford during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2018, file photo, is Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) during an NCAA college football game against Arizona in Tucson, Ariz. With the return of senior leaders Justin Herbert and Troy Dye, expectations are high for the Oregon Ducks this season. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
Oregon defensive players La'Mar Winston Jr., left, (no. 32) and Troy Dye, right, celebrate a first quarter stop against Montana during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
Oregon's Troy Dye dances to the song "Shout" at Autzen Stadium during the break between the third and fourth quarters of an NCAA college football game against Nevada, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
Oregon head coach Willie Taggart and linebacker Troy Dye embrace after hanging on to defeat Nebraska 42-35 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) runs for a touchdown against Boise State during the first half of the Las Vegas Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen, right, is sacked by Oregon linebacker Troy Dye during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Boise State during the first half of the Las Vegas Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Oregon safety Jevon Holland (8), celebrates his touchdown with linebacker Troy Dye (35) during an NCAA college football game against UCLA in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 (AP Photo/Thomas Boyd)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello, center, is cornered for a loss by Oregon's Troy Dye, left, and Kaulana Apelu, right, during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
FILE - In this Sept. 23, 2017, file photo, Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) waits for a play to start in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, in Tempe, Ariz. Dye, a second-team preseason All-American, and the Ducks have not been tested yet this season, but he made 107 tackles last year and will need a big game in Eugene on Saturday for the Ducks to make a statement in the Pac-12. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
Stanford's Bryce Love, right, breaks a tackle of Oregon's Troy Dye during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron)
Wyoming running back Milo Hall (3) is tackled by Oregon inside linebacker Troy Dye (35)during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Laramie, Wyo., Saturday, Sept.16, 2017. (AP Photo/Shannon Broderick)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye sits in the bench area after Arizona State defeated Oregon 37-35 during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2017, file photo, Oregon head coach Willie Taggart and linebacker Troy Dye, rear, embrace after defeating Nebraska, 42-35, in an NCAA college football game, in Eugene, Ore. Dye was selected to the AP All-Conference Pac-12 team announced Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch, File)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Oregon's Troy Dye and Jonah Moi tackle Arizona running back Nick Wilson during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
Oregon's Oregon cornerback Ugochukwu Amadi, left, works to pull down Utah running back Zach Moss with Oregon linebacker Troy Dye and cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. in pursuit during the third quarter of their NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Arizona State running back Demario Richard (4) scores a touchdown over Oregon linebacker Troy Dye during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye speaks at the Pac-12 NCAA college football media day, Thursday, July 27, 2017, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye speaks at the Pac-12 NCAA college football media day, Thursday, July 27, 2017, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35), celebrates an interception that set up a last minute second quarter touchdown against Arizona State in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Thomas Boyd)
Colorado running back Phillip Lindsay (23), blows past Oregon linebacker Troy Dye (35), in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016 in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Thomas Boyd)
Southern California tight end Taylor McNamara (48) falls into the end zone for a touchdown against Troy Dye of Oregon in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Los Angeles Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016. USC won, 45-20. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
Oregon head coach Willie Taggart and linebacker Troy Dye embrace after hanging on to defeat Nebraska 42-35 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)
Oregon linebacker Troy Dye speaks at the Pac-12 NCAA college football media day, Thursday, July 27, 2017, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Great questions, Tom. To me, the three rookies who have the best chance to start in Year 1 are Jefferson, Jeff Gladney and Ezra Cleveland, and even Cleveland's potential starting spot still needs to be sorted out on the offensive line.
The Vikings liked Dye's production and skill set coming out of Oregon, especially since he is the only player in Oregon history to lead the team in tackles for four consecutive seasons. But what will his role be in 2020? I think barring any injuries to the combination of Eric Kendricks, Barr, Eric Wilson and/or Ben Gedeon, Dye will likely play a key role on special teams in his rookie season.
That doesn't mean he won't have the chance to perhaps see the field on defense in come certain packages, but special teams is where he should primarily make his mark as a rookie. I agree with you that he has the traits to do well on passing downs and in nickel situations, but the Vikings are stacked there with Barr and Kendricks. Not only are they ultra-athletic on the field, but they are also extremely well-versed in the defensive scheme since they are going into their sixth season together.
I like Dye's potential down the road, but for 2020 his impact will likely come on special teams, which the Vikings emphasize as a key component to success.
