Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman’s three-game absence due to a turf toe injury has caused “frustration” within the organization, according to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson.
Wolfson reported on SKOR North on November 5 that Cashman, who signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract, is still “week-to-week” due to a turf toe injury suffered in Week 5 against the New York Jets.
“It has gone on longer than everyone expected. There is undeniable frustration. “I’m told ‘week-to-week,'” Wolfson explained. “It’s possible he’s back this week, but going back to October 7, if I told the Vikings, ‘Blake is not going to be back [by Week 9],’ they would have said ‘You are nuts.'”
Cashman’s extended absence was obvious in the Vikings’ consecutive losses following their Week 6 bye. During the first five weeks of the season, he was the Vikings’ leading tackler and the 15th highest-graded linebacker according to Pro Football Focus. He is also the preferred signal caller, communicating Brian Flores’ play calls to the rest of the defense.
While there is frustration within the Vikings organization, Wolfson clarified that it is due to the unpredictable nature of the turf toe issue, not Cashman’s abilities.
“There’s toughness there that has carried Blake this far,” she said. “Trust me, if Blake could be out there, he would be out there.”
Blake Cashman’s Contract Signaled Injury Concerns
Cashman, an Eden Prairie native and University of Minnesota alumnus, was welcomed back to the state, especially after his excellent performance prior to the bye week.
The Vikings did, however, sign him with the caveat that he might be released by next offseason.
“Of the $22.5 million, only $9.475 million was fully guaranteed upon the signing. That includes his $7.75 million signing bonus and $1.725 million in guaranteed pay this year. “His $5.525 million 2025 (base salary, roster bonus, and workout bonus) will ensure that he is on the roster on the third day of the league year next March,” Sports Illustrated’s Will Ragatz said. “So the Vikings could cut Cashman after one year if he doesn’t fit in or underperforms, but it would come with a significant loss of money. They may also simply opt out of the contract — or sign him to an extension — after two years to avoid the $10.1 million cap in 2026.”
Cashman’s injury history was most likely the basis for his impending departure. He tore his labrum in his debut year and was placed on injured reserve five times during his first three seasons with the Jets.
Cashman was healthy the previous two seasons with the Houston Texans, but his injury history raised some concerns about his durability.
Over The Cap rated Cashman’s performance in the first five weeks as worth a $14 million-per-year contract, indicating that the Vikings got a good deal on the Minnesota native.
However, they are now dealing with the issues they had when they first signed him.
Vikings Rookie Dallas Turner Surfaces After Andrew Van Ginkel Injury
Dallas Turner’s debut season has been disappointing. The first-round pick is buried beneath a group of experienced pass rushers.
He got his chance in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts after starter Andrew Van Ginkel was sidelined with an injury, according to coordinator Brian Flores.
Turner played the most snaps since Week 1, recording four pressures and a QB hit on 11 pass-rush snaps, according to PFF.
The Vikings’ injury report on November 6 could provide insight on Van Ginkel’s status for Week 10.
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