The Minnesota Vikings are really banged up as they head into a do-or-die matchup against the rival Green Bay Packers.
Therefore, the team is calling on an old friend in linebacker Anthony Barr to help them keep its postseason hopes alive.
The Vikings elevated Barr from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Friday, marking his third elevation since joining the PS back in November.
Barr has mostly been an off-ball linebacker throughout his career, but he's shown plenty of ability as a pass rusher, which had teams lining him up on the EDGE at certain points.
That's probably what the Vikes envision, now that the four-time Pro Bowler has had plenty of time to learn Brian Flores' defense. Flores' squad lost D.J. Wonnum for the year during Week 16's loss to the Detroit Lions and reserve linebacker, Troy Dye, is questionable for the Packers game after being listed as a limited practice participant all week long.
It remains to be seen just how much playing time Barr receives and/or the impact he has on the game, but one thing is clear: The Vikings signed him to the 53-man roster, which means he is guaranteed three game checks at the minimum base salary for a 10-year veteran such as himself.
Meaning, the Vikings will pay him at least $2.330 million over the rest of the season, no matter what happens. If they make the playoffs, it'll reach $3.495 million and then another $1.165 million per game if he's kept on the active roster.
Either way, Barr is back in action for the team that drafted him the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. And it's safe to think both sides are hoping for a storybook ending when it comes to how the rest of the season plays out.
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