Minnesota Vikings Add New Offensive Tackle Ahead of Week 9 Game

The Minnesota Vikings’ Week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Rams was more impactful than most defeats. While it still only counts as one loss, this one hurt more, knowing Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending knee injury while running out the game clock before halftime.

Naturally, with one left tackle being ruled out, the Vikings have to find a solution for Darrisaw’s replacement in the starting lineup. The decision could involve sliding Blake Brandel back to tackle, opening up a starting spot for Dalton Risner at left guard. Yet, now another contestant has entered the fray.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Trade for Christian Darrisaw’s Replacement

Minnesota Vikings sign tackle Julian Pearl, make other roster moves

Like they’ve done several times this season, the Minnesota Vikings announced a flurry of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon.

This time, they’ve signed offensive tackle Julian Pearl to the practice squad. Pearl, 25, is an undrafted rookie out of Illinois who measures in at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens after being unpicked in the 2024 NFL Draft, but was later waived on August 27.

Pearl also drew interest from the XFL, with the Michigan Panthers making him the sixth overall pick in their respective draft process. Clearly, there are football minds out there who have high expectations for the young tackle, and now the Vikings are among that group. But we wouldn’t expect Pearl to see the field any time soon, knowing veteran David Quessenberry is still ahead of him on the depth chart.

Related: New J.J. McCarthy Injury Update Gives Insight into Vikings Plan, His Progress

In addition to getting Pearl on the practice squad, the Vikings also released running back Myles Gaskin from the active roster. He’s already been added back to the practice squad, which is a move they’ve made several times this season.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also made a few other changes to the practice squad, cutting bait with linebacker Dallas Gant and offensive tackle Marcellus Johnson. Both are undrafted rookies who haven’t played an NFL snap this season.

Related: Report: Minnesota Vikings Will Wait Another Week to Decide NFL Trade Deadline Plans