Marvin

Mitchell

After four years as a Saints special teamer, Mitchell recorded 30 tackles, one sack, and one interception as a Dolphins reserve last season. The 27-year-old will provide depth at linebacker while bolstering the Vikings’ coverage units.

Henderson left Sunday’s loss in the fourth quarter, but quickly returned to action. His status for this weekend’s game against the 49ers is now up in the air. If Henderson doesn’t play, Marvin Mitchell would replace him in the Vikings’ base packages at WLB, and MLB Jasper Brinkley would then stay on the field in the nickel packages.

With Henderson officially out, the Vikings will turn to Marvin Mitchell to start at WLB. It’s expected that Jasper Brinkley will get the nickel snaps along with Chad Greenway. Brinkley makes for a sneaky IDP start in the juicy matchup against the fantasy friendly 49ers.

Mitchell has been working alongside Erin Henderson and Chad Greenway as a starter, but will face competition for the job from Gerald Hodges and Tyrone McKenzie. After playing primarily on special teams since entering the league, Mitchell has a legitimate shot at earning a starting role.

A reserve linebacker and special teamer, Mitchell started one game in 2012, but played only 46 snaps on defense. He’ll serve in a similar role in 2013.

“As we speak, Marvin Mitchell is still our starting (weak-side ‘backer),” coach Leslie Frazier said Monday. Bishop played well in August, but may still be learning Frazier’s defense. To open the season, the Vikings will likely use MLB Erin Henderson and SLB Chad Greenway as their two linebackers in the nickel.

Mitchell opened last season as the starter at weak-side linebacker, lost it briefly, and then regained it after Desmond Bishop tore his ACL. But he was really a part-time player and special teamer due to his struggles in pass defense. Now 30 years old, he projects as a strict backup wherever he lands. Gerald Hodges can fill the role for the Vikings.

It’s the first we’ve heard of Mitchell since the start of free agency. Mitchell started 10 games for the Vikings last season, but was shuffled back and forth between the field and the bench as he struggled in coverage. Going on 30, he’d be fighting for one of the Patriots’ final roster spots.

Mitchell, a 6-3/249-pound Tennessee product, is the classic run-stuffing, two-down inside linebacker. He’ll be competing to back up likely starter Brian Simmons while incumbent Mark Simoneau works in nickel situations.

Mitchell, a seventh-round pick, adds depth with Scott Fujita in street clothes Sunday. Mitchell is mostly an inside ‘backer, while Fujita plays the strong side. Palko should make it through waivers to the practice squad.