The Minnesota Vikings took their time in bringing back Dalton Risner this offseason. Despite Ed Ingram still being a massive question mark and Risner’s fan favorite status, priorities were elsewhere.
That was starting to be the expectation among media members and fans alike, this preseason. The 29-year-old former Bronco hasn’t been able to stay on the practice field, making him an obvious veteran cut candidate . But… not so fast.
Will Minnesota Vikings keep fan-favorite Dalton Risner?
You can’t make the club, in the tub… was something that Mike Zimmer used as a catchphrase. The former Minnesota Vikings coach probably would have had no time for lineman for Risner’s absences.
But with all the uncertainty surrounding the guard position (especially RG), The Athletic’s Alec Lewis projects Dalton Risner as a member of the official 53-man roster, when all the dust settles.
In Lewis’ latest projection, released Saturday night, he picked Risner as one of ten offensive lineman the Vikings carry into the regular season. Tyrese Robinson is another surprise addition.
“The Vikings penciled in Risner and Feeney as capable and important depth on the interior, but Risner has not practiced in weeks with a back injury, and Feeney did not practice last week with a lower leg injury. If either injury is long-term, the Vikings could get creative with roster designations. Otherwise, they’re likely in…”
Alec Lewis on Dalton Risner making the Vikings 53-man roster (The Athletic)
Minnesota made it clear to Risner that a starting job was not guaranteed, when they signed him. That’s why he is making less than Blake Brandel, who has all but been written into the starting LG spot with permanent ink, even prior to Risner’s injury.
Blake Brandel has never started at the guard position , and there have been times when Ingram should never start again . Unfortunately, Risner has made the entire situation much more complicated than it should be. Since arriving, he’s proven himself as nothing more than a tweener starter, who’s much better in pass block than run block. And that’s exactly why the Broncos probably never paid him either.
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Dalton Risner has made it difficult on Minnesota Vikings
The reality for the Minnesota Vikings is that the guard spot should have sorted itself out. Risner, Brandel, and Ingram each could have played with the top two taking the starting roles. It hasn’t worked out that way and it forces Minnesota to make a decision.
Ingram was the only offensive starter to play during the Cleveland Browns game. He took that as an opportunity for additional reps. Even with Risner out, it was clear the Vikings weren’t settled on what Ingram had brought to the table.
Should the Vikings cut Risner, he could be motivated to get going with another organization. There may be hurt feelings from Risner in that he hasn’t been more prioritized by the franchise . Still, putting the decision on anyone else aside from his play is an unfortunate outcome for the situation as a whole.
Related: Is Dalton Risner in Danger of Being Cut by Vikings?
This certainly could be where the good vibes end for a guy who was welcomed with open arms less than a year ago.
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