Minnesota Vikings

Phil Loadholt 'hopeful' to be on field for Vikings' offseason program

Published Feb. 2, 2016 8:44 a.m. ET

foxsports

Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Phil Loadholt has made significant progress since tearing his left Achilles' tendon last August.

At a Black History Month celebration event on Monday night, Loadholt said he recently began running and that he hopes to be on the field when the Vikings begin their offseason training program in the spring.

Via Matt Vensel of the Star-Tribune:

Loadholt tore his Achilles' in Minnesota's second preseason game and was placed on season-ending injured reserve shortly after that. Fourth-round rookie T.J. Clemmings took his spot in the lineup and held his own at right tackle, starting all 16 games.

At 30 years old, Loadholt is now entering the final year of a contract in which he is owed $5.4 million in base salary, according to Rotoworld. With a young up-and-comer in Clemmings, the Vikings may try to lower or eliminate that cap hit in the coming months.