Vikings Still on the Prowl for Right Guard Upgrade

The Minnesota Vikings have had few positions provide more intrigue over the offseason than their guard spots. Blake Brandel is starting in a new role on the left side, and Ed Ingram remains at the top of the right guard depth chart. At least, for now.

Minnesota Vikings still seeking guard talent

Let’s just say… the Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster remains fluid, something they’ve already proven at other positions. Ed Ingram’s slow development has presented a problem for head coach Kevin O’Connell.

That’s why, according to local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah remains interested in any guard talent that might come available. Whether that upgrade presents itself now (trade, waiver wire, etc) or in the future (draft, free agency, etc) Kwesi is actively looking for Ed Ingram’s replacement.

“I’ll tell you the position I would watch more than any, is right guard. That Ed Ingram spot. Whether it’s Tyrese Robinson, or maybe somebody on the 53. Is there eventually a chance for one of these young guys, and maybe it’s not even necessarily this year, but I think they’ve had a number of discussions internally about the future of that right guard position. That yes, Ed Ingram is good to go September 8th, not convinced he’s good to go this time next year, or even later in the season. That position is one I’m keeping an eye on.”

Darren Wolfson on the Vikings guard position (Skor North)

Ed Ingram will face a challenge to hold his role for the Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings may make a change at some point during the season. The aforementioned Robinson is on the practice squad. Just because Ed Ingram sees his name atop the current depth chart doesn’t mean he will stick there all season.

Related: New Name Emerging in Minnesota Vikings RG Battle?

Two years into his NFL career, the Minnesota Vikings are still looking for more from Ingram. Dalton Risner will eventually be healthy, and he started for O’Connell last season. If there is uncertainty out of the gate, the veteran may take over before the halfway point. Even then, it’s clear decision makers at TCO Performance Center aren’t sold on him either

Jonah Williams vs. Ed Ingram pic.twitter.com/pbqIUZTyGM

— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) August 1, 2024

Minnesota has been seeking offensive line continuity for some time. They feel so close to having it, yet so far away. A better version of Ed Ingram would make fans feel a lot better about the future of the OL, and the success of new QB Sam Darnold.

Related: Is Ed Ingram Delusional?

Really good offensive linemen don’t grow on trees so fixing the hole at RG won’t be easy, especially in-season. Does that mean we’ll have to watch another full season of Ingram pulling everyone down? We’ll see…