Lynch (knee) started and logged 27 defensive snaps, along with one snap on special teams, during Minnesota's preseason win over Cleveland on Saturday.
Lynch finished with three assisted tackles in the exhibition contest. He had registered 18 defensive snaps and five special-teams snaps during the Vikings' preseason opener against Las Vegas on Aug. 10. Lynch appears to be past the ACL tear that cost him all of last season, and he is battling for a depth spot on the 53-man roster as a backup defensive lineman.
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Vikings' James Lynch: Moved to injured reserve
Rotowire
Lynch (knee) was placed on IR on Sunday, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official site reports.
Lynch suffered a torn ACL during practice Thursday, so the move doesn't come as a surprise. The 24-year-old had a regular role in the team's defensive line rotation in both of the last two seasons and was expected to do so again in 2023. He'll now focus on getting healthy for the 2024 campaign.
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Vikings' James Lynch: Full participant Wednesday
Rotowire
Lynch (shoulder) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice.
Lynch missed the final two games of the regular season due to a shoulder injury he suffered during the Vikings' Week 16 win over the Giants. However, it appears the backup defensive end has moved past the issue and will suit up for Minnesota's rematch with New York during the wild-card weekend.
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Vikings' James Lynch: Sustains shoulder injury
Rotowire
Lynch exited Saturday's game versus the Giants due to a shoulder injury, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
The rotational defensive lineman was held without a stat at the time of his departure in the second quarter. If Lynch is unable to return, Esezi Otomewo should get more run on defense opposite Dalvin Tomlinson, with Ross Blacklock a healthy scratch for Week 16.
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Vikings' James Lynch: One tackle in season opener
Rotowire
Lynch had one tackle while playing 16 of the defense's 61 snaps in Sunday's win over Green Bay.
The 2020 fourth-round pick begins the season as a backup on the defensive line.
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Vikings' James Lynch: Finds home in Minnesota
Rotowire
The Vikings selected Lynch in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 130th overall.
The Vikings have opted to double-dip at defensive line in the fourth round, having already selected edge D.J. Wonnum at 117 overall. For his part, Baylor's Lynch brings imposing 6-foot-4, 289-pound size and the strength to offer developmental potential as an interior pass rusher. Following the departures of Linval Joseph, Stephen Weatherly and Everson Griffen, it wouldn't be out of the question for Lynch to get a shot as a starter during his rookie season.
