The Vikings on Wednesday announced that linebacker Michael Mauti was placed on season-ending injured reserve. The team also signed offensive tackle Carter Bykowski from the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad.
If Bykowski’s name sounds familiar it might be because he’s an Eden Prairie native. He played his high school football for coach Mike Grant at Eden Prairie.
He was drafted by the 49ers in the seventh round of the 2013 Draft. His collegiate career at Iowa State began as a tight end before transition to the offensive line his final three years in Ames, Iowa. Bykowski was named AP All-Big 12 honorable mention as a senior in 2012.
According to the 49ers website, Bykowski ran a 5.21-second, 40-yard dash, bench pressed 225 pounds, 25 times and showcased a vertical jump of 28.5 inches at the 2013 NFL Combine. Not bad for a 6-foot-6, 307-pound lineman.
New #Vikings T @bykow71 is an Eden Prairie, MN native and has spent the past two seasons on San Francisco's practice squad.
— Vikings Communications (@VikingsPR) December 10, 2014
#Vikings place LB Michael Mauti on season-ending injured reserve; sign T and Eden Prairie native Carter Bykowski from 49ers' practice squad
— Brian Murphy (@murphmedia_) December 10, 2014
According to the Pioneer Press, Mauti played in nine games this season, including last week’s overtime victory against the New York Jets. Mauti has a knee injury.
Zimmer said that Mauti, now on IR, got one of his knees scoped and that it is minor. He does have a history of knee issues, though.
— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) December 10, 2014
Mauti, who has torn three ACLs, underwent a scope that was “more of a cleanup” than anything else. Timing led to IR. #Vikings
— Aj Mansour (@AjKFAN) December 10, 2014
Vikings climb power rankings
Minnesota’s win over Jets helped them creep up just a bit in this week’s AP Pro32 NFL power rankings, advancing one spot to No. 22 in the league. The Packers are No. 1 in the poll and the Vikings’ opponent this Sunday, the Detroit Lions, came in at No. 8.
