Vikings bench Clemmings for preseason game
By Eric Eager •
Minnesota Vikings
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T.J. Clemmings
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Aug 20, 2017
- Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman T.J. Clemmings was a healthy scratch for the team’s second preseason game Friday, appearing to have fallen out of favor in his third season with the team.
- Drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Clemmings was immediately thrust into a starting role when veteran Phil Loadholt tore his Achilles tendon in the preseason. He struggled mightily in that role, finishing 55th of 59 qualifying tackles in pass-blocking efficiency (92.4) in his 17 starts (including playoffs).
- He wasn’t supposed to play a substantial role in 2016, either, but injuries to Matt Kalil and Jake Long forced him to start another 14 games, and his 31.0 overall grade finished tied for 74th of 76 qualifying tackles, prompting the Vikings to acquire veterans Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers this offseason.
