Aug 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fans react before a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Some thought he could be cut in August. Others weren’t sure when he’d heal from injury and frankly didn’t care.
Now, with the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line operations in peril because of Christian Darrisaw’s season-ending ACL + MCL tear, Dalton Risner is suddenly of the utmost importance.
Why? Well, everything regarding Minnesota’s offensive trenches will now depreciate — that’s just the way it goes when an offensive tackle of Darrisaw’s caliber hits the shelf. Risner is a renowned pass-blocker, and the Vikings will need his skill set more than ever with Darrisaw’s exit.
Then, he provides solutions that many hoped weren’t necessary. Current left guard Blake Brandel, in theory, could swing to offensive tackle (Darrisaw’s spot) — his position when the Vikings drafted him 4.5 years ago, while Risner could slide into his organic left guard duties.
Before the Darrisaw injury, Risner was tentatively trending toward right guard duty, replacing Ed Ingram if the coaching staff eventually saw fit. Based on the current state of play, if Minnesota doesn’t simply replace Darrisaw with veteran David Quessenberry, Risner provides the OL versatility, enabling Brandel to switch to tackle.
Where has Risner been? Injured. He hurt his back in the summer, and Minnesota only recently activated his practice window. Barring last-second setback, Risner should be available this weekend when the Vikings host the Joe Flacco-led Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium.
According to Risner, there’s no mystery about his injury recovery. The man is ready to go. He said two weeks ago that he was itching to play and had been healed for a while. “I’m in football shape. I’ve been ready. This isn’t the first day I’ve been healthy. So, I’m ready to roll. Grateful to be out there practicing,” Risner told Star Tribune on October 14th.
Risner played in 15 games for the Vikings last year, starting 11, so it won’t be too groundbreaking to see him in the starting lineup on Sunday Night Football. It’s just that nobody knew until Darrisaw’s injury that he could return to his LG spot. Stay tuned.
KSTP’s Darren Wolfson said about Darrisaw’s injury and Risner’s role on SKOR North airwaves this week: “I don’t foresee it being Walter Rouse, I don’t foresee it being Dalton Risner — not at left tackle. Now, Risner getting in there — he is ready to go, the back feels good.”
“If we want to compile the best five offensive linemen, we can certainly make a case that Risner is among the five. Short-term — moving Brandel to left tackle makes all sorts of sense. Risner to his natural left guard position.”
On the whole, Risner no longer feels like a luxury; he could be vital.
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 Vikings 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.