Surprise Vikings Promotion Might Stick
The Minnesota Vikings were forced to create a patchwork offensive line in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns, and one man might stick around at his new spot: Blake Brandel at center.
With a promotion in Week 5, one Minnesota Vikings promotion might just have staying power for an indefinite period with injuries still lurking.
Brandel, of course, didn’t set the world on fire against a formidable Browns defensive front, yet in his first game at the position, the evidence suggests that he may warrant future consideration.
Vikings Center Spot Might Belong to Blake Brandel
If it’s not broke, don’t fix it, right?
Blake Brandel Could Have Staying Power at Center
Need proof that Brandel impressed his coaches on Sunday during his first-ever start at center. Look no further than the boss, Kevin O’Connell.
“Blake had a really, really strong day,” O’Connell told reporters.
That’s an emphatic endorsement to keep Brandel at center until he’s no longer needed. Otherwise, O’Connell would not have gone out of his way to compliment the versatile lineman.
Not for nothing, Brandel produced a 41.0 grade from Pro Football Focus in Week 5, but that apparently did not affect O’Connell’s judgment. The working theory suggests that Brandel will only get stronger at center with prolonged action.
Ryan Kelly on Injured Reserve with No Clear Timetable
The Vikings placed Kelly on injured reserve last week after two concussions in three games. His concussion total ran to five in his career, at least for ones documented by the NFL.
His outlook could break a few ways:
- Kelly could retire; five concussions are incredibly scary.
- Kelly could return in a month or so, like nothing happened.
- Kelly could return at a later date — late in the season or next year.
In any event, Brandel may have an extended trial at center, assuming he doesn’t totally flop in Week 7 or Week 8. The other option would be to return to sophomore Michael Jurgens, who entered the season as the backup center but who was absent in Week 5.
Brandel’s Versatility
This man is as versatile as they come when it comes to offensive lineman assignments.
In 2020, former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman drafted Brandel to be a reserve offensive tackle. He did so for a few years. In 2024, a post-Spielman regime shifted Brandel to guard, where he performed serviceably overall. Brandel actually played quite well at left guard with Christian Darrisaw to his side.
Now, the man is a starting center. Not every lineman can be tossed into different spots with decent or better outcomes. With Kelly’s future uncertain, Brandel also has a small chance to earn Minnesota’s starting center job in 2026 and beyond. That could happen.
Two Weeks to Prepare for More
O’Connell commended Brandel’s performance after a single game. With the bye week underway, the man has two full weeks to settle in and later face a nasty defensive line that the Philadelphia Eagles will bring to Minneapolis on October 19th.
In theory, he should only improve with more practice in Eagan, live game reps against the Eagles and the Los Angeles Chargers, and the guidance of Minnesota’s coaching staff.
To a degree, the Brandel trial at center worked with one week of preparation. The sky could be the limit as he matures into the role.
More on Kelly’s Prognosis
Brandel’s ability to sustain the center job depends on Kelly’s outlook. Our Janik Eckardt noted on Kelly last weekend, “PFF ranks Kelly as the league’s sixth-best center, so it was a decent move from a talent standpoint. However, injuries were a major concern for Kelly coming in, and that hasn’t changed in his seven months in Minnesota.”
“This decade, Kelly played in every game in a season only in 2022. He missed three games in 2023 and seven games last year. This season, he was sidelined in Week 3 and will be forced to sit out the next four games. Including the upcoming bye week, he’ll have five weeks to recover.”
Brandel is under contract through the end of 2026.
“The four games he’s guaranteed to miss are those against the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Chargers. With Kelly out, it would usually be Michael Jurgens’ spot, but the sophomore has been ruled out with a hamstring. As most teams only have two centers, it’s time to get creative. The Vikings will turn to veteran guard/tackle hybrid backup Blake Brandel and hand him his first center reps in his career,” Eckardt added.
“Kelly signed a two-year deal in the offseason, worth $18 million. Just over half of that is fully guaranteed. If there are any concerns about his future, the Vikings could move on without incurring a significant financial burden.”
Brandel will turn 29 in January.
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