Vikings Sneak 1 Fantastic Injury Update through the News Cycle
Forget Waldo. Where’s Brian O’Neill?
Not too often, folks, can the Vikings sneak a reasonably major injury update through the news cycle without people noticing. When it comes to the stud RT1, that may have occurred. He’s nowhere to be found, completely omitted from the team’s injury update as if there was no injury in the first place.
Vikings Sneak Fantastic Injury Update Through News Cycle
No doubt, the team as a whole is still working through a broader collection of injury concerns.
One thinks of RB1 Aaron Jones, a great veteran who can do essentially everything well. He can catch better than a lot of receiver and packs a punch in his shoulders pads. So, too, is he a great pass blocker despite being smaller than a lot of NFL runners. He upgraded from not participating at all to being limited on Thursday.
Note, as well, that LT1 Christian Darrisaw — a stud at offensive tackle who is working toward becoming elite — took Thursday off as he bounces back from last season’s ACL tear.
Otherwise, corner Jeff Okudah and tight end Josh Oliver are trending in a poor direction. Neither was able to practice on Wednesday or Thursday. Starting right guard Will Fries is working through a calf injury that doesn’t appear too serious and Josh Metellus appears capable of working through a foot ailment.
But then there’s Mr. Brian O’Neill. He’s not on there at all.
Back in Week 4, the veteran right tackle was taken out of the game due to what ended up being an MCL sprain. All things considered, the sprain — rather than a full tear, for instance — arrived as good news. O’Neill could work his way back into the lineup during the season, preserving the dream of having an excellent front five protecting J.J. McCarthy.
Per PFF, O’Neill is the NFL’s 28th-best offensive tackle. Solid, but a step back from elite. Do note, however, that he has been playing at less than full health and has been doing so for a Vikings offense that hasn’t always had stellar quarterback play. Those things matter for an offensive tackle’s ability to play strong football.
So far in 2025, O’Neill has committed a single penalty and allowed a single sack. There have been zero quarterback hits allowed otherwise but there have been 7 pressures. These numbers have arrived within his 293 snaps on offense.
Brian O’Neill appears to be back to full health. Or, at least, as close to full health as a 30-year-old offensive tackle can be during a long, gruelling NFL season. He’ll be looking to ensure he continues to play — and, crucially, play at a high level — in Week 10 as the Vikings host the Ravens for a game inside of U.S. Bank Stadium. Keeping up in the NFC playoff race means stacking wins.
LT1: Christian Darrisaw
LG1: Donovan Jackson
C2: Blake Brandel
RG1: Will Fries
RT1: Brian O’Neill
When the game gets going on Sunday, the above-listed offensive line appears to be the most likely crew to get onto the field. The only starter missing is Ryan Kelly. Relying on those large lads should be good enough for Minnesota’s offense to keep No. 9’s jersey clean (for the most part).
Kickoff on Sunday is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT. Pull off the win and Minnesota sees itself sitting at 5-4.
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