Sep 26, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots helmet. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports.
The New England Patriots evidently enjoy Minnesota Vikings offensive linemen.
In August 2023, New England traded with the Vikings for offensive tackle Vederian Lowe, and this time, the Patriots have stolen offensive guard Tyrese Robinson from the purple team’s practice squad.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss tweeted Tuesday, “It isn’t a trade acquisition, but the Patriots are adding to their roster today — they are moving forward with plans to sign OG Tyrese Robinson off the Vikings practice squad, per sources. 6-3, 317, out of Oklahoma.”
The only stipulation of a practice squad pilfer by an NFL team is that the player must live on the new team’s active roster. So, Robinson will achieve an immediate promotion.
Robinson originally joined the Vikings in January, a futures addition heading into the 2024 offseason. Few expected him to make the active roster two months ago, and he did not. However, after experiencing the 53-man roster cut, the Vikings quickly added Robinson back to the practice squad in late August. He’s lived there since — until the Patriots’ theft.
Here’s Robinson’s NFL resume to date:
The young lineman originally turned pro as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and has hopped around the league since.
These are the Patriots offensive guards with Robinson on board:
Heading into Week 9, the Patriots’ offensive line ranked 32nd leaguewide per Pro Football Focus, a ghastly poor mark.
When Robinson eventually takes the field in New England, it will be the first regular season snap of his NFL career. To date, he’s only seen preseason action.
Without Robinson on the Vikings’ practice squad, this is the current full group:
Minnesota will likely sign another free agent to fill Robinson’s spot, though it’s unclear if it will be a guard or a player of a different position.
The Patriots, with a 2-7 record, travel to Chicago for a date with the Bears on Sunday. Chicago is favored by 6.5 points.
Robinson turned 25 in August.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.