Minnesota Vikings Seriously Considering a Move to Dalton Risner
The Minnesota Vikings just suffered their first loss of the season. It took six tries for someone to finally beat them, and the Detroit Lions are no joke, which is a testament to the quality of this 2024 club.
There are still opportunities to improve, on the fringes though. One of the most glaring inconsistencies has come on the interior of the offensive line, mostly right guard, Ed Ingram. At this point, the three-year veteran is no longer just a youngster, trying to grow and learn on the job.
Since entering the league, 25-year-old former 2nd round pick has failed to establish himself as a consistently capable offensive line starter, in the NFL, despite starting every game he’s been available since 2022.
Dalton Risner could shake up Minnesota Vikings offensive line
But now that Dalton Risner is completely healthy, or so he claims, a postgame report from Sunday says the Vikings are “seriously considering” a move to the 29-year-old Risner, who is eligible to come off the PUP list whenever he and the Vikings are ready.
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 on the right side. Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) sees a change coming soon. And if you think he is guessing or making educated projections, try again…
“Ed Ingram had another tough day today. Maybe… we’ll see what happens. Everybody keeps saying, ‘why are you guys talking so much about Dalton Risner possibly being the starter’? That’s what we keep hearing, is that is something [replacing Ingram with Risner] they are considering very seriously.
So, again… I said it to somebody on Twitter this week. We generally, our approach at the Star Tribune, is not to just spout opinions, especially on this show. I think, when we say stuff, it’s generally something we’re hearing, and that we’re fairly confident they’re at least thinking about doing.”
Ben Goessling on Dalton Risner replacing Ed Ingram (Access Vikings Podcast)
It’s pretty apparent where the Vikings have the biggest problem on the offensive line. For his entire career, Risner has been a below-average run blocker. His expertise has always been pass blocking. Ed Ingram is pretty much the opposite.
The former 2nd round pick out of LSU is better in the run game, when he’s pushing forward and moving opposing defensive lineman. Not so much, when dropping back into his stance to pass block. Against the Lions, though, Ed was just flat out bad, especially if you are a PFF guy.
Vikings Week 7 OL PFF grades (overall/run block/pass block/pressures allowed):
— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) October 21, 2024
Darrisaw 62.1/56.6/85.8/0
Brandel 67.4/61.4/74.9/1
Bradbury 56.0/69.6/37.6/4
Ingram 38.0/43.7/64.8/1
O'Neill 64.4/49.6/78.1/1
Ed Ingram. Your starting RG through 6 games this season…
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 21, 2024
He once again finishes dead last for overall @PFF grades on the #Vikings offense and is currently ranked 61st of 62* for the worst pass blocking grade in the #NFL.
It's time to see G Dalton Risner on Thursday against… pic.twitter.com/jHnYOv3otl
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.
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