Vikings Sign Hometown Kid to Practice Squad

Over the past couple of weeks the Minnesota Vikings have continued to watch their injury report grow. The offensive line has been hit extremely hard, and that’s unfortunate given just how much of an investment was made to it this offseason.

Already down Donovan Jackson due to wrist surgery, the Vikings watched Brian O’Neill limp off on Sunday. He has been diagnosed with a sprained MCL and it’s unlikely he plays for a couple of weeks. Needing depth, they grabbed a plane ticket for local product Matt Waletzko.

Matt Waletzko joins Minnesota Vikings in London

As things stand currently, the Vikings look to be without their starting guard, center, and right tackle on Sunday. Acquiring depth while in another country isn’t easy, but Minnesota had Cold Spring, Minnesota native Matt Waletzko hop on a plane.

Waletzko is signing to the practice squad and the move will be announced shortly. #Vikings are bringing in linemen to practice this week with Brian O’Neill and Ryan Kelly injured. https://t.co/LoDMAtb0ln

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) September 30, 2025

The contract will be for the practice squad, but it’s possible that Minnesota elevates someone to the active roster for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. The 25-year-old Waltezko hails from the same hometown as former Minnesota Gophers great Eric Decker. Wide receiver Tim Jones was released to make room.

A fifth round pick back in 2022 by the Dallas Cowboys, Waletzko has played in 11 NFL games. He has logged 20 offensive snaps at tackle, with another 38 coming on special teams. Waletzko’s last game was January 5, 2025 in a Week 17 loss for the Cowboys.

The Vikings offensive line struggled on Sunday against the Steelers, and they’ll be met by a better Browns defense this week. Myles Garrett is among the best pass rushers across the entire NFL, and keeping Carson Wentz upright is a must.

Another development heading into Week 5 came in the form of a quarterback switch for the Browns. Kevin Stefanski appears set to hand things over to rookie Dillon Gabriel. Brian Flores will need to prepare his defense for a different type of playmaker.

Minnesota kicks off on Sunday at 8:30am central time. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium plays host for the Vikings and Browns. Minnesota knocked off the New York Jets at the same venue a season ago.