Minnesota’s tight end position group took another injury-related blow on Thursday.
The Vikings announced that they placed TE Ben Ellefson on IR after he suffered a knee/foot injury. Ellefson, a Minnesota native, has played in four games in 2021.
Minnesota primarily used Ellefson as a blocking tight end. He had one target and no receptions this year. The Vikings’ run game will be most affected by Ellefson’s absence.
The Vikings still have tight ends Chris Herndon and Tyler Conklin on the active roster. Minnesota’s primary tight end heading into 2021, Irv Smith Jr., is likely out for the entire season.
Minnesota has three tight ends on the practice squad: Brandon Dillon, Luke Stocker and Zach Davidson. Last game, the Vikings elevated Stocker.
The #Vikings have placed TE Ben Ellefson on IR. https://t.co/xkzVu6SXoA pic.twitter.com/E9AVRUVUmx
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 28, 2021
The Vikings will likely use Stocker more often now that Ellefson is on IR. There has yet to be any official report as to how long Ellefson will be out, but he will have to miss at least the next three games.
