Lewis Cine impressing Vikings organization during recovery
Lewis Cine sustained a gruesome injury in October that cut his rookie season short. But the former Georgia standout is on the road to a complete recovery and he’s endearing himself to the Minnesota organization in the process.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke last week at the NFL Combine where he commented on just how different Cine has been in his approach to the rehabilitation process.
“Lewis is in a great spot right now, he’s well ahead of his rehab process,” O’Connell said. “I see him — it’s unique to see a player every single day this time of year at the facility, but that’s been Lew. Been in my office a bunch, asking, ‘Hey when do we get started? Have you set the schedule for OTAs? What’s training camp going to be like?’ I said, ‘Just hold on, man, we’re going to be just fine.’ But he’s doing a great job. Really excited about Lewis and his mental growth through how he handled the adversity of that injury, stayed connected with his teammates, and ultimately, hopefully this is just going to be a small bump in a great road to Lew becoming the player he’s going to become.”
Cine was injured in a game against New Orleans approximately five months ago. The game took place in London and as Cine was attempting to throw a block, he came down awkwardly. Video showed that a bone in his lower leg snapped in half.
The injury was severe enough that Cine didn’t fly back to the United States for have surgery. He underwent a successful procedure in London before making his way back across the pond.
Cine left his mark at Georgia…
A former four-star prospect, Cine had a tremendous career at Georgia. He started 27 games in three years and it would have been more if not for a COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. He piled up 144 total tackles (95 solo) with 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and 14 pass breakups.
He was a look-to leader on the 2021 defense that was full of strong personalities and great players. A standout showing at the 2021 NFL Combine, one that saw him run the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds at over 6-foot-2 and 199 pounds. That helped him become the fifth Georgia player selected in the first round of the 2021 Draft. Minnesota traded into that pick to select the heavy-hitting safety.
