Vikings Rumors Put Spotlight on Andrew Van Ginkel Fears, Emergency OL, Evan Neal Trade

Dustin Baker |

Oct 5, 2025

Andrew Van Ginkel before Vikings-Falcons game at U.S. Bank Stadium in 2024. — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) surveys the field before kickoff against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. The home contest on Dec 8, 2024, offered a moment to capture his steady presence as a veteran contributor on defense. Van Ginkel’s preparation and focus were evident as Minnesota readied for another NFC matchup with playoff implications on the line. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

Welcome to the Sunday batch of Week 5 Minnesota Vikings rumors. The team takes on the Cleveland Browns in London and is expected to win by a field goal or so.

The second installment of Minnesota Vikings rumors for the week focuses on Andrew Van Ginkel, an emergency offensive lineman, and an Evan Neal trade.

The Vikings’ rumor mill is an ever-evolving situation, so to keep you in the loop, here’s the latest edition.

Vikings Rumors for Sunday, October 5th, 2025

We call it the purple rumor mill, and it can get intense.

Andrew Van Ginkel returns interception for touchdown versus Giants in 2024. — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) races toward the end zone after intercepting a pass against the New York Giants. The electrifying defensive play took place on Sep 8, 2024, at MetLife Stadium during the second half, giving Minnesota a crucial momentum swing. Van Ginkel’s return for a touchdown underscored his knack for timely plays and added a highlight-reel moment to the season. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.

Rumor: Andrew Van Ginkel’s neck injury could linger — because neck injuries linger.

Van Ginkel will miss his third game of five in 2025 this weekend, nursing a neck injury. Minnesota has not placed Van Ginkel on injured reserve, but there are some hints that his injury may linger.

KSTP’s Darren Wolfson said this week on SKOR North airwaves: “The Andrew Van Ginkel neck injury…they haven’t put him on IR, so they’re holding out some hope. I haven’t heard that it’s a season-ending type of neck injury, but certainly concern about Andrew Van Ginkel, who at this point all signs point to him not playing on Sunday.”

“Van Ginkel neck yeah, Judd I mean going back to training camp, you we’re spot on weeks ago when you first pushed the panic button before everybody. Danielle Hunter all over again, right?”

Perhaps the bye week will be kind to Van Ginkel, and he’ll return soon after. It’s the best-case scenario right now.

Rumor: The Vikings considered using TE2 Josh Oliver as an offensive lineman in Ireland.

There was a stretch in Ireland when the Vikings lost right tackle Brian O’Neill to a sprained MCL, center Ryan Kelly to a concussion, and two other linemen briefly (center Michael Jurgens and guard Joe Huber). At the time, Minnesota may not have had enough human bodies to field an offensive line for the next drive.

And according to head coach Kevin O’Connell, Oliver was the next man up had Jurgens or Huber not been cleared to re-enter the contest. Oliver is the team’s TE2 and is 6’5″ + 270 pounds, so he might’ve held his own for a while.

Brian O’Neill competes on offensive line during Vikings-Rams wild card game in 2025. — Minnesota tackle Brian O’Neill (75) anchors the line in postseason action against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. The NFC wild card matchup unfolded on Jan 13, 2025, as O’Neill’s assignment included battling a tough Rams pass rush in high-stakes conditions. His reliability and consistency once again demonstrated why he remains a key piece of Minnesota’s offensive front. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

For context, here’s the current injury situation in the trenches:

Brutal.

But at least the masses know that Oliver would play guard or center in a pinch.

Rumor: Minnesota should swing a trade with the New York Giants for Evan Neal, an offensive tackle.

Bleacher Report‘s Alex Kay concocted six NFL trade ideas this week, and the Vikings were mentioned in a deal involving New York Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal, a 1st-Rounder from the 2022 NFL Draft who has flopped to date.

Kay explained the trade, “The Vikings’ makeshift offensive line continued to implode in Week 4 when right tackle Brian O’Neill and center Ryan Kelly went down with injuries. The unit was already featuring backups at three starting spots and could hardly afford to lose more talent within the offensive trenches.”

“While the team has a chance to get healthier heading into a much-needed bye following a 24-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Minnesota’s brass should also use the downtime to work the phones and find some O-line help. Considering O’Neill’s injury is an MCL issue that will reportedly keep him out for ‘some time,’ per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Vikings will need to unearth a replacement in short order.”

Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal in action against Eagles in 2023. — New York Giants offensive tackle Evan Neal (73) takes his position during a divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The game occurred on Jan 8, 2023, and Neal’s responsibilities included managing Philadelphia’s aggressive defensive front. His development as a young lineman was tested in a hostile NFC East environment, showcasing both the challenges and progress of his early career. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.

Thankfully, Minnesota has Christian Darrisaw back in the lineup, but within a couple of weeks of his return, Brian O’Neill succumbed to a sprained MCL. His timeline to return is unknown as of October 5th.

So, Kay’s idea hedges the bet against injury and adds a depth piece to Minnesota’s OL room.

The problem? Neal isn’t very good and has spent the entire 2025 season on the bench in New York so far. Here’s his Pro Football Focus resume:

2025: n/a
2024: 61.2
2023: 39.8
2022: 41.8

Kay did claim that Neal could be gettable for a 7th-Rounder, and if that’s the case, he’s basically free.

Without Neal, the Vikings will lean on Justin Skule at right tackle.

By Dustin Baker

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His debut thriller, The Motor Route , is out now. He ... More about Dustin Baker