Cam Robinson and Josh Hines-Allen just said goodbye. Now they will experience one of the quickest reunions possible.
Robinson, who was traded to Minnesota last week, will return to Jacksonville to face Hines-Allen and his other former Jaguars teammates Sunday in a game that means a lot — for different reasons — to both teams.
The Vikings (6-2) are trying to keep pace with NFC North-leading Detroit, while the Jaguars (2-7) are looking to avoid a three-game skid that would essentially eliminate them from AFC South contention.
Trevor Lawrence’s health is the most notable aspect of the matchup. The Jaguars quarterback is dealing with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder that was so concerning it prompted Jacksonville to bring back veteran C.J. Beathard as an insurance policy. Mac Jones would make his first start in nearly a year if Lawrence can’t play.
Robinson’s return is a more subtle subplot.
He landed with the Vikings on Oct. 29, was on the practice field in Minnesota the following day and then earned a game ball for his performance against Indianapolis last Sunday. Now he’s back in Jacksonville and on the opposite sideline for the first time in eight NFL seasons.
“I’m excited for him,” Hines-Allen said. “He’s at a good team, a good situation over there and he’s coming back to his hometown trying to prove a point.”
Robinson’s exit from Jacksonville was far from smooth. He cleared concussion protocol in time for a home game against Green Bay, but the Jaguars started Walker Little instead. Robinson was clearly disengaged on the sideline and seemed to have several exchanges with coach Doug Pederson.
He was gone two days later. And now he’s back.
“That’s sometimes the nature of this business,” Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold said. “Whatever friends or family he might be able to have coming to the game, first and foremost, that’s really cool for him.
“But, again, it’s just X’s and O’s. It’s going out there and being able to execute at a high level, and that’s all we’re worried about.”
Robinson started 91 games with Jacksonville and played solid football at times. But he never made a Pro Bowl and was the subject of trade discussions long before October. Nonetheless, he was always popular in the locker room and brought a much-needed intensity to Jacksonville’s O-line — something he will now do with Minnesota.
“This will be my first real game flow, take-him-to-the-ground opportunity to go against him,” Hines-Allen said. “I’m excited about it. I know he’s a good player. I’ve been going against him since I’ve been here. I’m excited. Hopefully he’s excited and we can put on a good show.”
Aaron Jones is running on plenty
Vikings running back Aaron Jones is averaging a career-high 15.6 attempts a game in his first season with Minnesota. He has been productive, too, with 565 yards rushing and 245 yards receiving putting him on pace to surpass his previous career bests in both categories.
“I’ve never kind of had this load before,” the former Green Bay star said. “So I guess what’s why it’s being brought up, but I welcome it. I’m open to it.”
The Vikings stand alone in Jacksonville
Minnesota is 2-0 in Jacksonville and the lone NFL team the Jaguars have never beaten at home.
The Vikings had plenty of helping in winning both previous trips to the River City. Jacksonville turned the ball over five times and missed two field goals in a 30-12 loss in 2008. The Jags committed 14 penalties and missed two field goals in a 25-16 loss in 2016.
Sudden change for Minnesota
The Vikings will play with a new long snapper and kicker following injuries to Andrew DePaola (hand) and Will Reichard (quadriceps) that will keep the specialists out for at least a month.
Long snapper Jake McQuaide and kicker John Parker Romo were brought in as replacements.
“There’s always that little bit of doubt where you never know if you’re going to come back or not,” said Romo, who has never kicked in a regular-season game. “But the key is to keep your head down, stay locked in, stay ready.”
New look for the Jaguars
The Jaguars will wear white helmets for the first time in franchise history. The shell-white helmets were designed as a tribute to the area’s vibrant beaches.
“I love them,” defensive end Travon Walker said. “Now we got to get a win in them.”
GAME PREVIEW: Minnesota (6-2) at Jacksonville (2-7)
Sunday, 12 p.m. on Fox. BetMGM NFL Odds: Vikings by 4½. Against the spread: Minnesota 6-2; Jacksonville 5-4.
Series record: Vikings lead 6-1. Last meeting: Vikings beat the Jaguars 27-24 in Minnesota on Dec. 6, 2020. Last week: Vikings beat the Colts 21-13; Jaguars lost to the Eagles 28-23.
Vikings offense: overall (13), rush (21), pass (12), scoring (8). Vikings defense: overall (16), rush (2), pass (28), scoring (7).
Jaguars offense: overall (21), rush (22), pass (17), scoring (18). Jaguars defense: overall (31), rush (16), pass (31), scoring (30).
Turnover differential: Vikings plus-4; Jaguars minus-7.
Vikings player to watch
LT Cam Robinson. Acquired in a trade with Jacksonville last week to replace injured standout Christian Darrisaw, Robinson gets to quickly face his former team after an effective debut against the Colts. Coach Kevin O’Connell gave him a game ball for his performance on such a short runway with the playbook and alongside new teammates.
Jaguars player to watch
DE Josh Hines-Allen is coming off his best game of the season and now faces longtime teammate Robinson. They spent 5½ years together in Jacksonville. Hines-Allen had two sacks last week at Philadelphia, giving him five on the season.
Key matchup
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson versus one of the league’s worst pass defenses. Jefferson has 48 receptions for 783 yards and five touchdowns, including consecutive 100-yards games. He had seven catches for 137 yards last week against Indianapolis and eight for 115 the previous week at the Los Angeles Rams. Now he’s going against a defense that’s been gouged for 16 plays of 30 or more yards.
Key injuries
The Vikings will be without All-Pro long-snapper Andrew DePaola (hand) and rookie kicker Will Reichard (quadriceps) for at least the next four games, with 14-year veteran Jake McQuaide and 27-year-old rookie John Parker Romo, respectively, filling those roles. LB Blake Cashman (toe), who has missed the past three games, is on track to return this week.
The Jaguars are expected to turn to their third left guard in as many games. Starter Ezra Cleveland (ankle) hasn’t practiced this week and backup Cooper Hodges broke his right leg in his first career start last Sunday. Now Blake Hance is up from the practice squad and scheduled to make his second start in three seasons.
Series notes
Minnesota is 2-0 in Jacksonville and the only team the Jaguars have never beaten at home. … The Vikings have won five in a row in the series, with Jacksonville’s most recent victory coming in 2001. … The most recent meeting was an overtime victory for Minnesota in 2020 that included a standout performance from Jefferson (121 yards, TD).
Stats and stuff
Minnesota has scored 20-plus points in each game this season. Baltimore is the only other team to do so this season. … The previous time the Vikings started a season with eight straight games scoring 20-plus points was 1998, when they did so in all 16 games while going 15-1 and setting the NFL scoring record at 556 points. That record has since been topped five times. … The Vikings have trailed for 69:39 of game time this season, the least amount in the league. … The Vikings are 3-0 against AFC teams this year. They went 1-4 last season. … The Vikings defense leads the NFL in interceptions (13) and passes defensed (50). They had just 11 interceptions in the entire 2023 season. … The Jaguars are 1-5 in one-score games. … Jacksonville will wear white helmets for the first time in franchise history. The alternate helmet was designed as a tribute to area beaches. … QB Trevor Lawrence is looking for his third consecutive 300-yard passing game at home. … WR Brian Thomas Jr. leads all rookies with 595 yards receiving and is tied for the most TDs (five). … DE Travon Walker is coming off a big game. He had seven tackles, including two for loss, and returned a fumble 35 yards for a touchdown.
Fantasy tip
The Jaguars have struggled to cover tight ends, so T.J. Hockenson would be a smart play in his second game back from injury.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.