Dean Lowry, a defensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings, has been placed on injured reserve. He tore his pectoral in the team’s 20-21 loss to the Denver Broncos. This injury will most likely keep him out for the rest of the 2023 season.
The D-Lineman for the Minnesota Vikings began his career with Green Bay.
Dean Lowry was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round, 137th overall, in the 2016 NFL Draft. Green Bay liked his athleticism and thought he was underappreciated. He agreed to a four-year, $2,723,393 rookie contract that included a $383,393 signing bonus and a $383,393 guarantee.
In his rookie season, Lowry appeared in 15 games and made zero starts, recording eight tackles, three for loss, four quarterback hits, two sacks, and one pass deflection.
In his second season, Lowry started every game and had 11 stats, including 32 tackles, five for loss, five quarterback hits, two sacks, two pass deflections, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.
In his third season, Lowry started every game and had 44 tackles, five for loss, five quarterback hits, three sacks, three pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Green Bay extended Lowry’s contract during the 2019 offseason.
On July 23, 2019, Green Bay and Dean Lowry agreed to a three-year, $20.325 million extension. During his fourth season, Lowry started every game and had 47 tackles, two for loss, two quarterback hits, one interception, three pass deflections, and one fumble recovery.
During his fifth season, Lowry started every game and had 36 tackles, two for loss, four quarterback hits, three sacks, and two pass deflections.
During his sixth season, Lowry started every game and had 42 tackles, five for loss, nine quarterback hits, five sacks, four pass deflections, and one fumble recovery.
Green Bay decided not to release him in the offseason of 2022.
Rather than release him, Green Bay and Lowry agreed to restructure his contract, freeing up $1.1 million in cap space.
Lowry played in 15 games and started 12, recording 43 tackles, one for loss, five quarterback hits, 0.5 sacks, and one pass deflection in his final season with Green Bay. He suffered a calf injury over the holidays, and Green Bay placed him on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
During the offseason, Lowry joined a new team.
On March 17, 2023, Lowry agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year, $8.5 million contract.
Lowry has played in nine games and started nine of them, totaling 14 tackles, one pass deflection, and one fumble recovery. He was out of the lineup for Weeks 9 and 10 due to a groin injury.
In Lowry’s absence, who will need to step up?
With Lowry out, the Vikings will have to rely on players like Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Bullard, Khyiris Tonga, and Jaquell Roy.
Harrison Phillips is in his sixth season as an NFL player. He started his first four games in Buffalo. Jonathan Bullard is in his eighth NFL season. In his career, he has played for five different teams. Khyiris Tonga is in his third year as an NFL player. He spent his first year with Chicago and the last two with Minnesota. Finally, Minnesota selected Jaquelin Roy in the fifth round this year.
Dean Lowry is a vital member of the defensive line. With Lowry out of the lineup, Minnesota loses depth and experience.
