Vikings' Week 11 snap counts vs. Titans raises multiple questions on both offense and defense

T.J. Hockenson taking it easy?

The return of T.J. Hockenson against the Indianapolis Colts was massively welcomed by the Vikings and the fanbase. As things sit right now, Hockenson has yet to play a significant portion of the snaps.

The Vikings had 73 snaps on offense this past Sunday and Hockenson played just 35 snaps. This came after playing 33/73 snaps against the Colts and 39/84 snaps against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Why is Hockenson taking so much time off the field? It's likely for two reasons: they are easing Hockenson back in and also relying on Josh Oliver who has been tremendous this season. They are going to need Hockenson down the stretch and keeping his legs fresh now will likely make a huge impact.

Cam Akers continues to get more snaps

Akers was acquired after week six when both Dameon Pierce and Joe Mixon were healthy for the Houston Texans. He didn't play in the first two games for the Vikings but has seen a lot of snaps.

Akers played in 16, 26 and 27 over the last three weeks and has established himself as the number two running back behind Aaron Jones. He's looking healthy after suffering two torn Achilles tendons over the last two calendar years.

What's going on with Dallas Turner?

This is something that many have brought up over the last few weeks. He hasn't played a lot of snaps over the last five weeks.

• 5
• 3
• 26
• 11
• 12

Is it a concern? When he's gotten in the game, Turner looks like he's developing well. Plus, he's behind multiple really good edge rushers, including Pat Jones II. Kevin O'Connell spoke about Jones on Monday during his press conference.

"I think he’s just really detailed with how he prepared. I don’t know whether Kwesi [Adofo-Mensah] has said it before, most of the guys really take some time and I think Pat’s [Jones] really figured out what he is as a rusher and his high-level traits to do those things and then what are the change-ups off of those understanding that I am in a front with Jonathan Greenard and [Andrew] Van Ginkel and maybe it’s a pressure, we’re bringing Cash [Blake Cashman] and IP [Ivan Pace Jr.] and where he studies a lot, he knows where the weakness and protection is. He knows how he's gonna be blocked and then he attacks it, and that's the one word that comes to mind when I think of Pat [Jones], whether he's set in the edge in the run game or pressure in the quarterback, it just feels like he's at his best when he's in that attack mode, and he's done a great job of that."

The other element that hasn't been discussed enough is the emergence of Andrew Van Ginkel as one of the best players defensive players in the National Football League. Turner plays the same role as Van Ginkel and it's understandable that he's getting less playing time.

Is it a concern with Turner? I don't think so. Stay patient and trust in Brian Flores.