By Craig Peters
EAGAN, Minn. — Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores opened his Saturday media session with bad news about Vikings defensive lineman James Lynch, who suffered a knee injury during Thursday's Night Practice.
"Just wanted to get started by talking about the James Lynch situation. Obviously, a tough loss. Obviously, injuries are a part of the game, but you hate to see it," Flores said. " 'Lynchie' has done a great job of coming back from a surgery in the offseason. He worked his way back, he was moving his way up the depth chart, so it's unfortunate. It's a tough break for him.
"As a team, as a unit, we feel it's a tough break," Flores added. "We feel bad for him. We know how important the game is for him. But my conversation with him last night, he's gonna work his butt off to get back out here as soon as he can."
The Vikings have not yet made an official roster move regarding Lynch.
Players were off Friday, and Flores' session was the first scheduled for a Vikings coach.
Lynch has played in 37 games and made three starts since his selection in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has totaled 53 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery.
Flores has been rotating through defensive linemen during camp practices as the defense assesses combinations and different packages.
"You know, I think we've got solid depth. Some veteran players like Harrison [Phillips], [Jonathan] Bullard, [Khyiris] Tonga – and we've got some young guys like [Jaquelin] Roy, Bug – so we've got some good young players. Bug is Calvin [Avery], by the way."
