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NFL Hands Down Heavy Penalty as Vikings Accused of Injury Report Fraud on Pro Bowler Ahead of Steelers Matchup

Dublin, Ireland – September 27, 2025 — On the eve of a historic international matchup at Croke Park, the Minnesota Vikings were hit with a $100,000 fine by the NFL for violating the league’s injury-reporting policy regarding outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.

 

Van Ginkel suffered a neck injury in Week 3. Head coach Kevin O’Connell initially indicated the issue wasn’t long-term. But the league determined Minnesota failed to accurately disclose his recovery status while leaving open the possibility he could play despite being not game-ready. The NFL viewed this as a deliberate attempt to preserve a tactical surprise against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Van Ginkel’s confirmed absence is a major blow to the Vikings’ defense:

 
 
  • He’s one of their most active edge defenders, central to their pass rush and perimeter pressure.
  • Through the first three weeks, he logged multiple impact QB hits, helping disrupt opposing protections.
  • Without him, more responsibility shifts to Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, while Minnesota’s linebacker depth will be tested.

That’s especially concerning with Aaron Rodgers under center for the Steelers. Rodgers’ veteran processing and pre-snap diagnostics can punish soft edges and exploit the very space Van Ginkel typically closes, particularly on quick-game adjustments, play-action, and pocket slides.

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The $100,000 penalty is only the surface-level damage. The larger cost is losing a tone-setter off the edge during a showcase week in Ireland. It’s an opening for Pittsburgh to lean into Steel Curtain toughness against a distracted opponent dealing with both on- and off-field turbulence.

 
 

“We respect the NFL’s decision, but we’re disappointed to lose Andrew at such a critical moment. He’s a vital piece of our defense. We’ll have to adapt quickly if we’re going to hold up against Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers.” - HC Kevin O’Connell

Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”