The turf at U.S. Bank Stadium will be changed for the 2024 season
In early 2024, the artificial turf at U.S. Bank Stadium will be changing to a version that has better injury data than the current playing surface. The stadium will go from a slit-film turf to a monofilament surface, with the project set to be completed well in time for the next NFL season.
The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority approved a $1.3 million bid from Texas-based company Act Global for the turf replacement project at its latest meeting on Thursday. Slit-film turf — which is only still in use at U.S. Bank Stadium, Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati), and Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis) this season — was shown by NFL and NFL Player’s Association data to be associated with a slightly higher risk of non-contact leg injuries. Some stadiums replaced theirs last winter ahead of the 2023 season. The Colts are also planning on replacing their turf next year.
In a Week 5 game against the Colts this season, Vikings superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson suffered a non-contact hamstring injury on the U.S. Bank Stadium turf. Two weeks later, 49ers tight end George Kittle complained about the turf after a game in Minneapolis, saying “it’s very springy, but it’s basically cement.” The Vikings looked into the idea of installing a grass surface at the stadium, but found that was not viable due to its multipurpose usage. The turf will also be replaced on the Vikings’ indoor practice field at their headquarters, TCO Perfomance Center in Eagan.
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Final Thoughts: Vikings vs. Lions in Week 16
The Vikings face a critical game Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium as the Lions (10-4) come to Minnesota on Christmas Eve.
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings (7-7) are currently the No. 7 seed after the Rams (8-7) moved to the No. 6 spot by defeating the Saints on Thursday Night Football.
Minnesota has three regular season games left, all versus NFC North foes. But Sunday is essentially a must-win situation for the Vikings to keep alive their shot at winning the NFC North. A victory also would go a considerable distance toward earning a Wild Card playoff berth.
The defense will be **without cornerback Byron Murphy, Jr.**, for the first time this season. The fifth-year defensive back leads the Vikings in interceptions and passes defended playing his hybrid role of both outside corner and nickel defender.
There is a chance the team activates linebacker Jordan Hicks. His 21-day practice window opened Tuesday, and he was a full practice participant all week. Offensively, tackle Brian O’Neill and running back Alexander Mattison are both questionable and could each miss their second consecutive game.
Despite having an extra day to prepare, the Vikings final injury report isn’t ideal ahead of such an important game. But O’Connell is confident that the team is looking ahead to Sunday following a sound week of practice.
“We’re not in the mode right now where we are really looking backwards,” O’Connell said. “You know, coulda, woulda, shoulda and all those things. It’s about Sunday at 12 o’clock and knowing the challenge that we’re going to have especially with this offense. And our defense knows that. They’ve been preparing all week and had a really good week of preparation.”
The Vikings are the only team in the NFL to have three safeties inside the top 10 of Pro Bowl voting, which is divided into free safety and strong safety categories. Camryn Bynum, Josh Metellus and Harrison Smith are pillars of Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores’ defense because of their versatility and playmaking abilities.
The trio faces one of their most challenging matchups of the season in a Lions offense loaded with similar versatility. Specifically, Lions running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs can flip field position and swing games.
Montgomery and Gibbs are the Lions smash-and-dash duo, comparable to the former Saints combo of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara under Head Coach Sean Payton. Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell was the Saints assistant head coach and tight ends coach from 2016 to 2020 and brought a similar running back philosophy to Detroit. His vision was realized this offseason when the Lions drafted Gibbs 12th overall and signed Montgomery (a former Bear) in free agency.
The one-two punch of Montgomery and Gibbs has helped the Lions average 140.9 rushing yards per game, second-most behind only the Ravens. Gibbs averages 5.7 yards per carry, second-best in the league. His efficient running style is most dangerous on the edge. The Alabama product can pop a 30-yard run or reception on any drive.
Montgomery, a downhill and bruising runner, transforms the Lions offense by playing with pace. But he can flip a game, too. His season-long touchdown this year is 75 yards.
Defeating blocks and tackling in space will be critical on Sunday for the Vikings top tacklers, Bynum, Metellus, linebacker Ivan Pace, Jr., and Smith.
“They have a pretty balanced approach. They run the ball and control it,” Smith said.
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