Westbrook signs with Minnesota

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Westbrook 'ready' for WR raceNewly signed receiver Dede Westbrook is "ready to go" for practice only nine months after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee with the Jaguars, Zimmer said. Westbrook had an impressive workout over the weekend that confirmed his health, according to Zimmer, who added Westbrook will bolster both receiver and punt returner competitions.
"It's going to be one of the most competitive positions on our roster," Spielman said. "Dede is going to come in and have to get caught up, but with [receivers coach] Keenan McCardell coaching him the last four years [in Jacksonville], it's a huge advantage."

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Nice. I can't wait to see some training camp video. I wasn't going to go this year but I just might take a drive over to TCO.

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Will Ragatz

@WillRagatz

·18h

Mike Zimmer: “We have to be better in special teams, we have to create more explosive plays in the return game — that’s part of the reason why we signed Dede (Westbrook).”

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Courtney Cronin

@CourtneyRCronin

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Newly signed WR Dede Westbrook heads into the weight room to work with the strength staff. He tore his ACL Week 7 last season. Curious to see how much time he needs before he’ll be full go in practice.

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Newest Viking Dede Westbrook eyes dual impact as receiver, returner

Westbrook fielded punt after punt in his first Vikings practice Wednesday, making it clear he'll try to help his new team in more ways than one.  

By Andrew Krammer Star Tribune JULY 29, 2021 — 12:51AM

CARLOS GONZALEZ, STAR TRIBUNE

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer with receiver Dede Westbrook on Wednesday. Westbrook, who agreed to a one-year deal Sunday, could make an impact catching passes or returning punts.

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When receiver Dede Westbrook signed with the Vikings last weekend, quarterback Kirk Cousins was one of the first people to send him a text message welcoming him to Minnesota. Special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken probably wasn't far behind.
Westbrook fielded punt after punt in his first Vikings practice Wednesday, making it clear he'll try to help his new team in more ways than one. The ex-Jaguars receiver agreed to a one-year deal on Sunday to reunite with Vikings receivers coach Keenan McCardell, a pairing entering its fifth NFL season after four years in Jacksonville.
But it's on special teams, and the Vikings' continued search for a punt returner, where Westbrook sees an immediate opening to help.
"I honestly feel like I'm going to have a huge impact," Westbrook said. "I've been focusing on it a lot, been dialed in, and I'm trying to do everything I possibly could to get on the field and lead this team to a Super Bowl."
Returning from an injury-marred 2020 because of shoulder and ACL ailments, Westbrook is still easing his knee back into shape. He's running again, but was limited during Wednesday's practice to receiver and special teams drills. The playbook is also an obstacle, but the years working with McCardell are expected to expedite his learning curve.
"Coach McCardell is like a father figure to me," Westbrook said. "We're kind of from around the same area. He's from Houston. I'm from Cameron [Texas], so we've been knowing each other for a little while now. Every time we worked out, he killed me. He expects the most out of me. He shoots me text messages every night, so y'all kind of know how that situation is when I'm doing wrong."
McCardell pulled Westbrook to Minnesota, but so did the thought of playing alongside receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. He could find room as the No. 3 slot receiver, a job held by Chad Beebe last season. Westbrook was Jacksonville's top slot receiver in 2018 and 2019, when he combined for 132 catches, 1,377 yards and eight touchdowns.
"I've felt like we had a pretty talented receiver group, and then we brought in Dede," Cousins said. "Last year, when we lost Adam for a game or two, you realize the importance of depth."
"I know he's got great movement skills," Cousins added, "and has been a pro and knows what it takes, so he should be able to help us."

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Zim checking his vaccination.