Anthony Barr will be back on the field for the first time since Week 13 of last season when the Vikings host the Raiders in a preseason game Saturday night.
The positive news came from Vikings coach Mike Zimmer when he met with the media Tuesday.
"He's feeling good right now. We'll get him some plays this week. You can tweet that one." Zimmer on Anthony Barr #Vikings
— Master (@MasterTes) August 18, 2015
Barr was a leading candidate for defensive rookie of the year last season before undergoing season-ending knee surgery in November. Pro Football Talk has the story, with an explanation of how a separate knee issue kept him out of off-season programs. Inflammation in his knee also forced him to miss a week of training camp, 1500 ESPN notes.
He was a disruptive force at outside linebacker and had four sacks before his rookie season ended. The highlight of his first year in the NFL was a forced fumble that he recovered and ran into the end zone for a game-winning overtime touchdown against Tampa Bay.
Per the Pioneer Press, Barr is confident that he’s on the right path to healthier days ahead.
“I think I’ll be OK if I can continue on the path I’m on,” Barr said. “I’ve been recovering very well. I’m feeling pretty good, so just keep doing what I’m doing.”
If Barr can stay healthy he could be one of the best players on the defense. NFL.com recently tabbed him No. 3 on a list of 20 players “on the rise.”
