When Desmond Bishop first signed on with the Minnesota Vikings, many believed he could contest for a starting role. There were questions as to whether or not he was going to snag the middle linebacker spot from Erin Henderson. However, now that Bishop has some training camp under his belt, the Vikings are wondering if he will even make the 53-man roster.
Bishop joined the Vikings back in June after playing with the Green Bay Packers. He has yet to make an impact on the field yet due to injuries. The linebacker battled a torn hamstring most of last season, leading him to not get re-signed. Now, he has missed the preseason opener with a reported groin strain. Frazier is criticizing the linebacker, saying that if he intends on making the team then he must get himself on the field.
"This is going to determine whether or not he makes our team," Frazier said, via Dan Wiederer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "So much of this is about how he plays over the next two weeks. Or if he's not available because of his injury. I can't say it any simpler than that. It's a big two weeks for him. He needs to show us he can help our football team in order to make our team."
Bishop has not played a single down of football in over a year. His torn hamstring landed him on injured reserve after the first game of the season. While the linebacker says he is eager to start playing, he has yet to spend a significant time on the field.
"This is an urgent time for me right now," Bishop said. "And not to put extra pressure on myself, but urgent to go out and do what I've been doing since I was 8. There's an urgency there. But there's also a calm and a real confidence there."
Bishop is right to say there is urgency. No one's roster spot is guaranteed. The Vikings gave the linebacker a chance to really revive his career and he has yet to be able to take advantage of it. If Bishop cannot get on the field in the next week or so and begin to establish himself as a real player on the team, time might be up on his chances.
When healthy, Bishop can be an impact player. In 2011 with the Packers, Bishop recorded a team-high 114 tackles plus five sacks. He is known for good work ethic and consistency, but his injuries are not helping his case.
"Can he get back to his form quick enough to show us that he's worthy of winning a roster spot?" Frazier said. "He has a short window now. ... This is the NFL. If a guy can't be available, he really can't help your team. As talented as he may be, you need guys who are available. But he understands that. It's pressure. But that's our league."
