The Minnesota Vikings Placed Defensive Lineman on Injured Reserve-Could Miss the Rest of the 2023 Season.

The Green Bay Packers drafted Dean Lowry in the fourth round, 137th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Green Bay liked his athleticism and felt he was an underrated athlete. He signed a 4-year, $2,723,393 rookie contract with a $383,393 signing bonus and $383,393 guaranteed.

Lowry appeared in 15 games and made zero starts in his rookie season, recording eight tackles, three for loss, four quarterback hits, two sacks, and one pass deflection.

Lowry appeared in every game and made 11 stats in his second season, recording 32 tackles, five for loss, five quarterback hits, two sacks, two pass deflections, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Lowry appeared in every game and made eight starts in his third season, recording 44 tackles, five for loss, five quarterback hits, three sacks, three pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

Green Bay gave Lowry an extension during the 2019 offseason.

Green Bay and Dean Lowry agreed to a 3-year, $20.325 million extension on July 23, 2019. Lowry started in every game during his fourth season, recording 47 tackles, two for loss, two quarterback hits, one interception, three pass deflections, and one fumble recovery.

Lowry started in every game during his fifth season, recording 36 tackles, two for loss, four quarterback hits, three sacks, and two pass deflections.

Lowry started in every game during his sixth season, recording 42 tackles, five for loss, nine quarterback hits, five sacks, four pass deflections, and one fumble recovery.

Green Bay decided not to release him during the 2022 offseason.

Instead of releasing him, Green Bay and Lowry agreed to restructure his contract, creating $1.1 million in cap space.

Lowry appeared in 15 games and made 12 starts in his last season with Green Bay, recording 43 tackles, one for loss, five quarterback hits, 0.5 sacks, and one pass deflection. He suffered a calf injury during Christmas, and Green Bay placed him on season-ending injured reserve.

Lowry found a new team during the offseason.

Lowry signed a 2-year, $8.5 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings on March 17, 2023.

Lowry has appeared in nine games and made nine starts so far, recording 14 tackles, one pass deflection, and one fumble recovery. He missed Week 9 and 10 with a groin injury.

Who will need to step up in the absence of Lowry?

The Vikings will have to count on players like Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Bullard, Khyiris Tonga, and Jaquelin Roy with Lowry out of the lineup.

Harrison Phillips is in his sixth year in the NFL. He played his first four at Buffalo. Jonathan Bullard is in his eighth year in the NFL. He has played with five teams in his career. Khyiris Tonga is in his third year in the NFL. He played with Chicago his first year and Minnesota the last two. Finally, Jaquelin Roy was drafted by Minnesota in the 5th round this year.

Dean Lowry is an important piece for the defensive line. Minnesota loses depth and experience with Lowry out of the lineup.