Barr is back: With Hicks on IR, Vikings reunite with longtime linebacker

Barr is back: With Hicks hurt, Vikings reunite with longtime linebacker

Barr is back: With Hicks hurt, Vikings reunite with longtime linebacker

The Minnesota Vikings are bringing back a familiar face.

Tuesday, the team officially signed linebacker Anthony Barr to its practice squad.

Barr was drafted by Minnesota at No. 9 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft and spent the first eight years of his professional career in purple and gold. Over that time, he started all 98 games he played in, tallying 495 tackles, 41 tackles for loss, 18.5 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 9 fumble recoveries and 5 interceptions, earning him four Pro Bowl selections.

He last played in 2022, appearing in 14 games for Dallas.

His signing comes a day after the Vikings announced that linebacker Jordan Hicks had to undergo a procedure at a hospital Sunday night after he developed compartment syndrome in his right leg after the team’s win over the Saints.

Tuesday afternoon, the team put Hicks on injured reserve, meaning he’ll miss at least the next four games — at Denver, against Chicago, at Las Vegas and at Cincinnati. The Vikings also have a bye week in that stretch, giving Hicks an extra week to recover.

Hicks posted a message on social media Tuesday morning, thanking everyone for their support and calling the surgery “a huge success.” “Looking forward to getting back out there with the guys soon!” he added.

Additionally, the Vikings officially re-signed running back Myles Gaskin to the practice squad after releasing defensive lineman Michael Dogbe to make room. Gaskin was with the Vikings for several weeks earlier this season before joining the Rams on Oct. 18.

He provides more depth following Alexander Mattison’s injury on Sunday and Cam Akers’ season-ending injury the week prior.

The Vikings next play on Sunday night in Denver.