Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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EAGAN, Minn. – Fully recovered from an injury for the second time in two years, Mike Hughes is entering his third NFL season with a clean slate and opportunity on the horizon.
The Vikings cornerback is aiming to not only stay healthy for the season's duration but also secure one of the starting spots ripe for the picking.
Minnesota saw the departure of Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes and Mackensie Alexander this offseason, making Hughes – with five career starts – the position group's most experienced member.
Hughes spoke to media members via video conference on Monday and said it feels "a little different" to be 23 years old and considered the old man in the room, but he's not intimidated by the extra responsibility.
"At the end of the day, it's just football," Hughes said. "I'm learning every day. Even our vets are still learning every day, just taking bits and pieces from every little game, from the coaches' brains. I think it'll all help us out in the long run. We'll be all right."
Hughes has made a positive impression since being drafted 30th overall in 2018 but has battled injuries throughout his first two seasons.
He impressed early on as a rookie, snagging his first career interception against the 49ers in Week 1 of the 2018 season. His campaign was cut short, however, by a torn ACL suffered in Week 6.
Hughes returned to the field in 2019 and played 14 games, making three starts. He recorded 43 tackles (coaches' tally), one interception, one tackle for loss and a forced fumble. The Vikings on Jan. 3 placed Hughes on Injured Reserve with a neck injury, sidelining him for Minnesota's playoff games at New Orleans and San Francisco.
He explained Monday that the injury occurred on a tackle during the Week 17 game against Chicago; although scans did reveal a "little crack" in the bone, Hughes said he got "nothing but good news" from doctors, and the neck healed on its own without any surgery.
Hughes spoke with media members via video conference on Monday and said he's looking forward to showing his full potential.
"That's what I want to reach this year – tap into some new levels I feel like I couldn't get to because of injuries holding me back a little bit," he said. "I'm coming into this year 100-percent confident in my body and how I feel and the work I've put into this offseason."