Vikings rookie Dallas Turner responds to reporter's questions about playing time

Turner has been on the field for only eight snaps the past two games, according to Pro Football Focus.

Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) warms up before the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Dallas Turner was only in his second quarter of a regular-season NFL came when he came flying around the edge and jumped onto Giants quarterback Daniel Jones' back for his first career sack.

Turner was on the field for 35 snaps in the season opener. Since then, his snap counts have been 18 against the 49ers, none against the Texans because he missed the game with an injury, 11 versus the Packers, 13 against the Jets, five against the Lions and just three versus the Rams. Is he confused about why he's not on the field more?

"I mean, just, I don't know either," Turner replied Monday when approached by KSTP-TV's Darren Wolfson about his limited playing time. "Just working every day in practice, still getting better, still learning from my guys. Whatever works best for the team, I'm not really complaining."

Turner took the high road and reiterated to Wolfson that he's all about the team.

"I mean, any way I can help the team go out there and effect the quarterback, impact the game in any type of way, I'm up for it," Turned said. "Everyday I thank God just to be in the position I am today."

Was over at #Vikings practice and avail. today. Spoke with rookie pass rusher Dallas Turner. Surprising, to me at least, that he's played only 7 defensive snaps the last two games. pic.twitter.com/Pr2hOc5DNd

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) October 28, 2024

It's a mystery why Turner has seen his playing time reduced.

The easy answer is that the guys ahead of him on the depth chart have been playing well. Jonathan Greenard is one of the best pass rushers in the league, Andrew Van Ginkel has been a menace off the edge and Patrick Jones II got off to a fast start with five sacks in the first four games of the season.

But Jones has gone three straight games without a QB pressure, according to Pro Football Focus.

It's not clear if the Vikings will give a bigger role against the Colts this week, but defensive coordinator Brian Flores remains confident in the rookie linebacker.

"He's in a room that's got some really good, productive players. We're going to get him in a little bit more. He's in a deep room," Flores said Tuesday. "Dallas Turner is a good player. I'll say that."