When the Vikings played the San Francisco 49ers yesterday, the secondary began the game a bit short handed. Starting nickel CB Mackensie Alexander was inactive due to an ankle injury, suffered midway through the preseason, so that meant first round pick Mike Hughes would get some extensive action in his first NFL game.
Then in the first half, starting LCB Trae Waynes went out with a knee injury and didn’t return. What was a deep secondary was suddenly thin, and Hughes moved outside, playing every snap, and facing one of the most talented young QB’s in the league.