The Vikings open their regular season one week from today and the offensive line looks a lot different from 2016.
After cutting veteran Alex Boone over the weekend, Minnesota will roll with the following starters when they take the field against the Saints on Monday Night Football on Sept. 11.
- LT: Riley Rieff
- LG: Nick Easton
- C: Pat Elfein
- RG: Joe Berger
- RT: Mike Remmers
If things go like they did last year, it’s likely the Vikings will have to go to their bench to help protect Sam Bradford.
Here’s the run down on who the backups are; let’s just hope they’re better than T.J. Clemmings and Willie Beavers.
Jeremiah Sirles
Sirles played both left guard and left tackle last season, appearing in 14 games while starting 10. Pro Football Focus graded him No. 49 out of 81 tackles.
Which isn’t as bad as Clemmings or Beavers, but he’s probably not a full-time starter.
Rashod Hill
Hill was claimed off the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad last November. The tackle played in just one game last year and that was the season finale against the Chicago Bears.
He’s nothing more than depth for the organization.
Aviante Collins
The Viking signed Collins as undrafted free agent in May and the rookie ended up making the 53-man roster.
Collins started 36 games at TCU and can play left or right tackle. He may not be starting right away, but the fact that he made the team against the odds, indicates he has potential to be something in the NFL.
Danny Isidora
Isidora was the only guard the Vikings selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. Head coach Mike Zimmer was very impressed with his play in the preseason.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see him get the first crack if an injury or infectiveness strikes Easton or Berger.
Minnesota also added center Cornelius Edison and tackle Cedrick Lang to their practice squad on Monday afternoon.
So cross your fingers that things aren’t as bad as last year.
