Some roster moves this week will be the result of serious injuries suffered during the Vikings’ first preseason game, a 20-10 win over the Houston Texans. We’re still waiting to learn more about the severity of WR Rondale Moore’s injury, but all reports suggest it’s “significant.”

Minnesota Vikings place Matt Nelson on IR, claim Michael Gonzalez

Unfortunately, Moore wasn’t the only new Viking to go down with an injury on Saturday afternoon. Offensive tackle Matt Nelson, who Minnesota just signed to a training camp contract in the last two weeks, has been placed on injured reserve with a torn bicep. To pour salt on the wound, iOL Zeke Correll suffered a fractured ankle during the game.

Because Nelson is going on IR during training camp, he is not eligible to return this season. With the loss of two depth offensive lineman, MN Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah moved quickly to sign another offensive lineman, in recently waived Atlanta Falcon, Michael Gonzalez.

The #Vikings have claimed G Michael Gonzalez via waivers and have placed T Matt Nelson on IR. https://t.co/L7s7HruQUi pic.twitter.com/4WwkvLdsNx

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 11, 2025

Gonzalez is an undrafted rookie free agent who appeared in 51 games (32 starts) for Louisville during his college career. As a Cardinal in 2024, the now 22-year-old posted a 65.9 offensive grade.

Throughout his collegiate career, Michael Gonzalez excelled in pass pro, grading out at a 72.6 in 2024, according to PFF. He also posted a 77.9 pass block grade in 2023 and a 76.0 his sophomore season, in 2022. Atlanta was also having Gonzalez take some reps at center.

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For those who aren’t aware, the Vikings have been experiencing some issues at that position, behind newly acquired Ryan Kelly. It’s possible that positional flexibility helped push Kwesi to make the move.

While the Vikings don’t know what they have in the undrafted rookie quite yet, his arrival makes sense — not just due to Nelson’s IR designation, but due to during Saturday’s win.

But general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his front office need to get value out of their late round picks too. So far, third-rounder Tai Felton is a lock to make the team and sixth rounder Kobe King has garnered some attention too.

Gavin Bartholomew will miss real time for Minnesota Twins

Unfortunately, it isn’t all good news on the draftee front. See the Vikings’ other 6th round pick, tight end Gavin Bartholomew, out of Pitt. Minnesota drafted him in hopes that he’d compete for a roster spot immediately.

According to Darren Wolfson (KSTP) on SKOR North Tuesday, the 6’4″ 260 pound freak athlete, who suffered a back injury shortly after being drafted, will not be ready anytime near week one of the 2025 regular season.

“If you want to talk long term, Gavin Bartholomew. Who I don’t think was going to be a big part of their September plans. If you had asked me in early-June, ok early 53-man roster projection, I would have told you…he makes the roster. He is not going to be ready in September…Gavin Bartholomew I am told, is a long-term injury.

Darren Wolfson – Skor North

Related: Minnesota Vikings Add More Pass-Catching Help

As Wolfson noted, there’s no reason to believe a sixth round pick was going to be a key part of the offense. That said, the Vikings don’t have a Nick Muse-type around anymore, and depth is necessary. Bartholomew’s injury is likely why veteran Nick Vannett was brought in, as well.

In his senior season at Pitt, Bartholomew hauled in 38 passes for 322 yards and found paydirt four times. This back injury certainly isn’t the way Minnesota’s rookie wanted to start his professional career. Now behind the eight ball, he’ll need to get healthy and then climb a mountain to get back into the 53-man conversation.

Matt Nelson out long term for MN Vikings

Just last week the MN Vikings signed offensive lineman Matt Nelson as additional depth up front. The line is a place where Minnesota has spent considerable money this offseason. Unfortunately he’s done before he’ll ever get started.

Unfortunate news for #Vikings OL Matt Nelson after he just signed last week: Told he suffered a biceps tear last night. https://t.co/La319Hya2S

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) August 6, 2025

After spending four seasons in Detroit, and being out of the league last year, Nelson is dealing with even more adversity. A torn biceps will require surgery and certainly a significant amount of time on the shelf.

It’s probable that he doesn’t see action at all this season. He’ll be looking for another opportunity in 2026 as a 30-year-old.

Last season Minnesota needed to swing a trade for tackle Cam Robinson after Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending injury. This time around they have veteran Justin Skule in tow, but Matt Nelson joins him as another potential option.

Matt Nelson signs with Minnesota Vikings

Ideally the Minnesota Vikings wouldn’t need any help at either of their tackle positions. Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw are among the best bookends across the entire league. If depth is to be called upon though, they have at least continued to make that a focus.

The #Vikings have signed OL Matt Nelson and waived/injured DL Alexander Williams.

📰: https://t.co/8d3WZiR9qY pic.twitter.com/l3jDIDgUbw

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 31, 2025

Matt Nelson joins the Vikings after playing his first four NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions. Undrafted out of Iowa, he has 43 professional games under his belt and has drawn 14 starts. He originally worked as a defensive tackle for Detroit, but shifted to right tackle in 2021 and started 11 of the 13 games he played that season.

He was signed by the New York Giants in March of 2024 but was a roster cut in August and didn’t play in the league last year.

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Minnesota waived Alexander Williams to make room for the new tackle. Williams started his college career in 2018 with Ohio State, and finished it by playing six games for Middle Tennessee State last season.