Minnesota Vikings Seriously Considering a Move to Dalton Risner
The Minnesota Vikings just suffered their first loss of the season. It taking six tries for someone to beat them is a testament to the quality of this club though. There are still opportunities to improve on the fringes. One of the most glaring inconsistencies has come in the form of Ed Ingram on the offensive line.
At this point, Ingram is no longer just a youngster looking to make it work. He has failed to establish himself as a consistently capable guard option for the Vikings. Dalton Risner wasn’t immediately re-signed this offseason, but he made his way back and is now completely healthy. It’s probably time for him to take over starting reps too.
Dalton Risner would shake up Minnesota Vikings offensive line
Last season the Minnesota Vikings brought Dalton Risner in as a late free agent signing. He took over for Ezra Cleveland and held down a starting spot for 11 of the 15 games he played in. Ed Ingram still struggled to find consistency, but Risner played the left guard role he had previously been familiar with. Now Blake Brandel starts at left guard, and it’s still Ingram leaving plenty to be desired. Beat writer Ben Goessling sees a change coming soon.
It’s pretty apparent where the Vikings have the biggest problem on the offensive line. Last season Risner left something to be desired in run blocking scenarios, but he was overall a competent guard. The problem this season is that Ingram has failed in virtually every scenario, and there aren’t many situations where he gets the job done.
Minnesota could opt to install Risner as a starter on the short week. The Vikings play the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football. Both Risner and T.J. Hockenson are expected to make their 2024 debuts. Each returning to the lineup, and starting, could help to quickly turn around what was just the first loss of the season.
Related: Rams Superstar Wide Receiver Will Reportedly Play vs Minnesota Vikings Thursday
Thus far Sam Darnold has performed admirably in his first season with the Vikings. That performance could be expected to see an uptick if the overall group protecting him is the best version of themselves as well.
