The first injury report of week 12 may be one of the healthiest yet. And if there’s a time to get right, I suppose it’s when your season is on the line. There is a wrinkle to the Vikings’ mostly clean bill of health.

The Minnesota Vikings spent a considerable amount of money on the offensive line this offseason, as general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah invested heavily in the trenches for the first time since he and KOC took over in 2022.

Will Fries lands on Minnesota Vikings injury report

Unfortunately, their reconstructed o-line has yet to play one snap together this season. It sure sounded like that was on its way to changing in week 12, when the head coach announced to media that center Ryan Kelly (concussion) was returning to the practice field as a full participant for the first time since week 4.

But then, the MN Vikings first official injury report of the week dropped and, while Kelly was indeed listed as “Full”, his former Colt teammate and right side o-line partner — right guard Will Fries — was a DNP (knee).

The #Vikings first injury report of Week 12 pic.twitter.com/9aBYylGU3l

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 19, 2025

Will Fries was among the multiple veteran free agents signed by the Vikings this offseason and he’s the only starter up front who has played in all ten games so far this season.

If Fries’ knee issue forces him to sit out the Packers game, it would force Brandel over to right guard, assuming Kelly does indeed make his return Sunday.

Jonathan Greenard sits out again

The Minnesota Vikings were without OLB Jonathan Greenard last week against the Bears. It was the first game he has missed in two seasons wearing purple. Unfortunately, he wasn’t practicing on Wednesday either.

KOC told reporters before practice that he would be on the side field doing some work on his own. Green Bay is currently second in the NFC North at 6-3-1.

If the 4-6 Vikings are able to knock them off, not only would it be a major hit to their chances of winning the division, but it would go a long way towards saving their own season too.

Jeff Okudah and Josh Oliver, who both missed the Lions game, didn’t practice. Neither did Harrison Smith (rest). Theo Jackson was a DNP too, after suffering a concussion that was diagnosed Monday.

CJ Ham, however, returned to the practice field in a limited fashion, as did Josh Metellus and Jalen Redmond. Will Fries (calf) also showed up for one of the first times all season, as limited. But on Thursday, the outlook got a little bit brighter in multiple spots.

Week 10 Injury Report: Minnesota Vikings get healthier Thursday

Will Fries was a full participant today, as was Metellus and Smith. Jackson moved to the next stage of concussion protocol, as he too was a limited participant, after taking yesterday off.

Unfortunately, Okudah and Oliver remain out. As has been the case for most of the season, Darrisaw was a DNP on Thursday, after putting in a full day of practice on Wednesday.

Related: Asante Samuel Jr Visit is Not What You Think…

The 4-4 Minnesota Vikings will play against Lamar Jackson and the 3-5 Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon, looking to pull off their second upset victory in as many weeks. JJ McCarthy will make the fourth start of his NFL career and second since returning from an ankle injury he suffered week two.

This week 10 matchup is at U.S. Bank Stadium, yet the Ravens come in as -4.5 point road favorites, showing just how up against the odds Minnesota really is in this matchup. If the Vikings are going to stand any chance of another surprise victory, they will need all hands on deck, just like they had in Detroit.

Meanwhile, the Vikings’ 2025 regular season opener on Monday Night Football in Chicago against the Bears looms large on September 8. Minnesota, whose offense has been somewhat ravaged by minor injuries to start training camp, needs to be healthy and ready to go before then.

Unfortunately, they are not there yet. The Vikings invested in multiple players this offseason, who came in with major questions surrounding their health. Toss them in with those already on the roster with injury concerns, and there is plenty of reason to worry. Thankfully, the most recent updates are mostly positive.

Minnesota Vikings injury update No. 1: Justin Jefferson

The Minnesota Vikings injury that fans and media are paying closest attention to, understandably, is that of superstar wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. The 25-year-old former 1st round pick has been dealing with a mild hamstring strain and and hasn’t participated at training camp in two weeks.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell provided an update on Wednesday, and while he wouldn’t commit to any sort of return timeline for his highly compensated superstar, it sounds as though Jefferson’s return is getting growing in imminence.

"He's clearly building up to a point where he's going to be 100% and we're going to get him back out there" -Head Coach Kevin O'Connell on @jjettas2's status pic.twitter.com/gKRM4sk97K

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 6, 2025

“Ideally, you’d love to get him, I’d love for him to practice today if we could. We’ll continue kind of ramping him up and you guys have seen him. If he’s not running to try to tackle me before practice today, which has kind of been a normal occurrence, he certainly looks healthy when he’s trying to tackle me pre-practice here. He’s clearly building back up to a point where he’s 100%, we’re going to get him back out there.”

Kevin O’Connell

Related: 4 Wide Receivers that Vikings Should Consider

In 2023 Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury against the Chicago Bears and wound up playing just 10 games (nine starts). Outside of that, Justin has remained mostly healthy through the first five seasons of his NFL career.

Last season, Jefferson posted 1,533 yards and ten touchdowns on 103 receptions across 17 games. Once again he will be leaned on as a focal part of the offense. If you have watched the clips of Justin Jefferson, you might wonder why he isn’t in pads.

Show me a better player-coach relationship than Justin Jefferson and Kevin O'Connell.

We see these two chum it up like this, all the time.

Also, great seeing Jefferson jogging around at the night practice at TCO Stadium tonight. Looks like the hamstring is good to go. pic.twitter.com/VoJcGCtQhq

— Alec Ausmus (@A_TwiceKSTP) August 5, 2025

With new quarterback J.J. McCarthy under center, and second option Jordan Addison suspended for the Minnesota Vikings’ first three games of the 2025 regular season, the offense cannot afford to be without its No. 1 weapon.

TJ Hockenson, MN Vikings OL getting healthier

Justin Jefferson is not the only player on the offensive side of the ball dealing with an injury for the Minnesota Vikings. Local inside Darren “Doogie” Wolfson shed light on some of those situations earlier this week, during his regular Tuesday appearance on SKOR North.

“On Christian Darrisaw, it’s trending [up]. I get it there’s still some boxes to check. Let’s see how he gets through next week, joint practices with the Patriots in particular, but certainly encouraging

Will Fries, slowly building back up, all of his conditioning. Ryan Kelly, elbow ok. I haven’t heard that’s some sort of long setback. T.J. Hockenson…I have not heard that the Hock injury is anything long term.”

Darren Wolfson – Skor North

Related: Former MN Vikings First Round Pick Retires

On Wednesday afternoon, Wolfson was proven correct on multiple injury fronts. TJ Hockenson returned to practice and participated in both team and individual drills. He did sit out some, as he works his way back to full-participation, but clearly he’s nearing full-health. (Emily Leiker – Star Tribune).

Hockenson, who has not played a full season in any of his three years with the Vikings. Acquired via mid-season trade back in 2022, the former Iowa standout has played in 35 of 44 possible games in purple, showing that staying on the field for 17-straight contests is a realistic goal.

Key starting offensive linemen — LT Christian Darrisaw (torn knee) and and RG Will Fries (broken arm) — have been back in the practice mix for a week or more, as both bigs continue their respective comebacks from injuries that derailed their 2024 seasons.

Latest on Ryan Kelly injury, others

Unless there’s a setback in either case, both are expected to start week one of the regular season, in Chicago. Wolfson’s update on new center Ryan Kelly (elbow) was positive. He seems to be the furthest out from a return to practicing with Minnesota’s first team.

According to Kevin Seifert (ESPN), Kelly participated in Wednesday’s walkthrough segment of practice, but sat out everything else. Sixth round draft pick Gavin Bartholomew and new OL signee, Matt Nelson, will both miss substantial time with their injuries.

Center Ryan Kelly (elbow) participated in the walk-through but not practice. He continued to be replaced by second-year center Michael Jurgens.

Kevin Seifert – ESPN

Related: 4 Wide Receivers that Vikings Should Consider

Bartholomew has been out since early OTAs, shortly after the Vikings drafted him, and Nelson (who was just picked up on July 31) suffered a bicep tear (per Wolfson) during night practice on Monday.

Ultimately, it’s good that the injuries suffered during Minnesota Vikings training camp don’t seem to be substantial, at this point. This team need as much talent at their disposal as possible, come September 8, on Monday Night Football.

It’s unlikely we see very much of the starting offensive line that day, or for much of the preseason, given the importance their health plays into the success of Minnesota during the 2025 regular season. But because there are so many new faces, don’t be surprised if we see them for a drive or two.

Minnesota Vikings offensive line looking healthier

Of course, that’s assuming the entire o-line is available. Future All-Pro left tackle Christian Darrisaw and newcomer right guard, Will Fries both came into camp rehabilitating from injury.

Fortunately, the latter returned to team drills this week and the former is expected to do the same on Friday, according to insider Andrew Krammer via the Star Tribune’s “Access Vikings” podcast.

“Will Fries got team reps [Tuesday], the guy who signed the 5-year, $88 million deal coming off the broken leg. He was good enough to progress and get into some 11 on 11 action right out of the gate.

And then O’Neal had mentioned to me yesterday that that Christian Darrisaw will progress to that point by the end of this week. So, they should have their entire offensive line together by at least Friday. And so that’s a good sign for McCarthy and for this offense in general.”

Andrew Krammer – Access Vikings

Prior to his knee injury, Christian Darrisaw (26 y/o) was on the way to implanting himself as one of the top tackles in the NFL with his 81.4 PFF grade. Once he left the line, Sam Darnold’s blindside was never the same.

👀 pic.twitter.com/PRTv6N0nh2

— Dustin (@Dust_Vikings) July 30, 2025

Yes, that is Darrisaw operating in a full capacity while going 11-on-11 in pads Wednesday. Minnesota has no reason to make public comments on his status, but it appears the bookend is trending towards Week 1 availability.

Related: Dallas Turner Might Be a Problem This Season…

Over at right guard, Will Fries (27 y/o) has already resumed his role as starting right guard in most team drills. His 2024, prior to injury, was going even better than Darrisaw’s, according to PFF, which gave Fries a 93.0 grade in 5 games.

But just like any other season and every other team, in order for the Vikings to reach their ceiling this year, the best players on their roster need to stay healthy and produce to their capabilities. We’ve seen injuries derail promising teams in the past, and there’s no doubt the 2025 Vikings have plenty of injury concerns entering camp.

Christian Darrisaw played just seven games in 2024, after he blew out his knee in LA against the Rams. After surgery, there are a lot of questions surrounding whether or not he will be ready for the start of the regular season.

The same can be said for two MN Vikings newcomers, top incoming free agent (RG) Will Fries, who fractured his tibia in week 5 last year. Another nube entering camp limited due to injury is new depth wide receiver, Rondale Moore, a former 2nd round pick out of Purdue, another guy who lost all of 2024 to a knee injury.

Minnesota Vikings lead 2025 training camp with good news on the injury front

Tuesday afternoon, however, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell met with reporters to kick off training camp, and one of his first orders of business was a good news update on the injury front, where he reported that none of the three key pieces above are expected to be placed on the “Physically Unable to Perform” (PUP) list.

Christian Darrisaw, Will Fries and Rondale Moore not going on PUP to start #VikingsCamp is a testament to the hard work that they've put in recovering from their injuries. pic.twitter.com/miV77eb57e

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 22, 2025

“Christian Darrisaw, Rondale Moore, Will Fries all not going on PUP to start [training camp]. I want to highlight the work they put in this summer, to put themselves into a position to be out on the grass practicing, all in different capacities, but we are very pleased with where those guys are at, and their timelines to fully returning to daily participation.

We have great plans on the calendar for those guys and cannot wait to see that come to fruition. But once again, just want to highlight the work those guys put in throughout the offseason to put themselves in this position.”

Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell speaking with reporters Tuesday

Related: MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?

This is unbelievably good news for the Minnesota Vikings, who in case you forgot, are breaking in a new quarterback this season. If JJ McCarthy is going to have success in his first year as an NFL starting quarterback, he will undoubtedly need his offensive line and wide receiving crew at or near full-strength.

If placed on the reserve/PUP list at the end of training camp, a player is not allowed to go back on his team’s active roster until after week four of the regular season. Instead, it appears the organization’s bet in its training staff may payoff in dividends.

Losing elite offensive linemen for the first four weeks of the season could be devastating to the development of their 22-year-old former top 10 pick (who’s coming off a season-ending injury of his own).

Vikings, JJ McCarthy need Christian Darrisaw and Will Fries to play ASAP

Christian Darrisaw and Will Fries are two of the best players in the league at their positions, and Ryan Kelly is a clear upgrade over Garrett Bradbury. That’s why, on paper, the Vikings’ OL looks vastly improved compared to 2024.

But without Darrisaw and/or Fries, this offensive line will look like a shell of what it does on paper, if those guys are healthy. Thus, the sooner Minnesota can get Fries and Darrisaw back to full strength, the better.

this stunt pickup from LT Christian Darrisaw is an OT in complete control of his game pic.twitter.com/dq3cr0DZGw

— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) October 21, 2024

Related: Bears Nearly Drafted JJ McCarthy Over Caleb Williams with No. 1 Pick

And from the sounds of it, they expect that to be sometime before week five of the upcoming regular season. Otherwise, it would behoove the Vikings to use the PUP list, in order to regain their roster spot for camp.

Obviously, most of the attention over the next couple months will be focused around their redshirt rookie QB. And the hype surrounding McCarthy is currently at an all-time high.

Don’t expect that to slow down between now and when the Vikings first take the regular season field on Monday Night Football, September 8, vs the Chicago Bears.

The more JJ McCarthy hangs around teammates and coaches, he will only gain the support of everyone in Eagan, due to his incessant work ethic and beyond-his-age leadership abilities, not to mention his “sneaky” big arm and incredible efficiency as a passer.

Not only were most of the Vikings key veterans in attendance for voluntary OTAs, but according to Darren Wolfson (KSTP) during his latest scoop session on SKOR North, the practices this week in Eagan were notably intense.

Minnesota Vikings OTAs were notably intense this week

Not only did the longtime local reporter (who has attended hundreds of Vikings practices) notice the pumped up competitiveness, though. New CB Jeff Okudah, who previously played for the Dan Campbell-led Lions, expressed his surprise with how intense the 7-vs-7 practice sessions were too.

“I thought it was a pretty spirited practice, for OTA session number two. You know, just the competitive nature of it. I had a nice chat with Jeff Okudah after practice. He noted that and so I just thought that was pretty interesting for late in May. I did not expect to see some of the stuff we saw on Wednesday. You know, seven on seven and all that, just how spirited it was, how competitive it was. I did not expect to see that for May 28th.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

If you are a Minnesota Vikings fan reading this article or watching that scoop session, you have to be excited about how this first week of offseason workouts went. For all of the team’s stars to show up ready to work and improve on what was an incredible 2024 season, it’s clear O’Connell & Co. are already locked in and hungry for more success.

Related: Kevin O’Connell Wins Another Award

You know 100% that, not only are other teams missing a lot of big names on their OTA attendance sheet, but it’s highly unlikely others are coming in this focused and determined to get better. That’s a really good sign, especially for a Vikings team that sportsbooks and most pundits are picking to be a middling NFC squad in 2025.

Most Minnesota Vikings OTA absences due to injury

Of course, not every key Minnesota Vikings player for 2025 was on the TCO Performance Center practice fields this week. Most notably, Christian Darrisaw was missing at left tackle (replaced by Justin Skule) and Will Fries was replaced by Blake Brandel at right guard.

Of course, both Darrisaw and Fries are recovering from major leg injuries. The former went out in week 11 of last season with a major knee injury that required surgery. The latter broke his leg. According to what Kevin O’Connell told reporters in his presser, Fries isn’t expected to practice until training camp.

Fries, their top external signing in March, may not practice fully until training camp, O’Connell said, or nearly 10 months after sustaining a broken tibia on Oct. 6. The Vikings’ top nine blockers may be set if they’re content with Rouse, a 2024 sixth-round pick, as a hybrid tackle/guard. Skule, the 28-year-old former 49er and Buccaneer, replaces David Quessenberry as the backup tackle. Jurgens, a 2024 seventh-round pick, is the backup center.

Ben Goessling (Star Tribune)

Meanwhile, Darrisaw was working out with cleats on the sideline this week. The Minnesota Vikings hope he is ready to return for the start of the regular season. It’s also worth mentioning the RG/LG alignment.

Related: MN Vikings Insider Unable to Dig Up Any Dirt on JJ McCarthy

With Fries out, Brandel slid over to right guard, while 1st round rookie, Donovan Jackson worked with the first team at left guard, where he is supposed to be competing with Brandel as a starter. Does that mean Jackson can be written in to start week one?

#Vikings starting OL in yesterdays OTA’s:

LT: *Justin Skule
LG: Donovan Jackson
C: Ryan Kelly
RG: *Blake Brandel
RT: Brian O’Neill

*Christian Darrisaw and Will Fries did not participate due to injury recovery

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) May 29, 2025

No, but it is worth monitoring how many snaps Brandel gets on the left side, while Fries continues his rehab. The other injury absence was Rondale Moore, who continues his rehab from a torn ACL. Not only is he expected to compete for the WR3 job, if healthy, but he could be a factor in the return game too.

Where in the world is Isaiah Rodgers…?

The only non-injury OTA absence that was mentioned by reporters who were in Eagan this week was new CB Isaiah Rodgers. In his absence, the aforementioned Okudah and second-year 2024 undrafted free agent signee Dwight McGlothern got reps with the first team defense. Mechi Blackmon got some run too.

Coaches were getting long looks at Okudah, the former Lions top pick on his fourth NFL team, and McGlothern, last year’s undrafted darling, with the first-team defense on Wednesday. Blackmon appeared to be getting some work, too, as he’s 10 months removed from a torn ACL. Rodgers, the ex-Eagles reserve who got a two-year deal to play a bigger role in Minnesota, was not seen at practice.

Ben Goessling (Star Tribune)

It is important to remember that these workouts are “voluntary” and we do not know why the newly signed corner was not in attendance. Nonetheless, it’s news worth mentioning.

You can tell he enjoys hanging out at TCO Performance Center a lot more when it is full of Vikings players. During his presser, KOC was asked questions on everything from his relationship with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, to his thoughts individual members of his coaching staff, and even gave a handful of offseason injury updates on key contributors for the 2025 season.

Latest Minnesota Vikings injury updates (Voluntary OTAs)

Not only are there a few 2024 Vikings who are either coming back or still working there way back from lingering injuries, but Minnesota also signed multiple free agents who are recovering from different football-related ailments of their own.

Related: MN Vikings Open to Paying Down Kirk Cousins’ Salary in a Trade?

So this afternoon, O’Connell read off a handful of fresh-baked MN Vikings injury updates, which included the latest on (QB) JJ McCarthy, (LT) Christian Darrisaw, (CB) Mekhi Blackmon, (DT) Javon Hargrave and (RG) Will Fries.

JJ McCarthy – “Full [participant]” for MN Vikings offseason workouts

Not only did Kevin O’Connell talk about JJ McCarthy during today’s presser, but he spent over five minutes answering questions about JJ’s knee, his recovery process the past 9 months and their plan for the 2024 No. 10 overall pick this offseason and going forward.

Here’s everything KOC had to say about his redshirt rookie quarterback, who he remains very excited about. But as far as where McCarthy stands, entering this week of voluntary OTAs, the Minnesota Vikings head coach officially labeled him as a “full [participant], really no limitation”.

Everything Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said about JJ McCarthy at his press conference on Monday pic.twitter.com/t8lR3Pk5HM

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) April 21, 2025

We knew JJ McCarthy was considered healthy and that he was pretty much considered ‘ready to go’. But you just don’t know how healthy that really is until someone gets on the practice field with teammates. So to hear that JJ has zero limitations during these early offseason workouts is great news.

Christian Darrisaw – “Progressing in his recovery program”

There is only one Minnesota Vikings player recovering from injury who means anywhere near as much to the organization as their future franchise quarterback, and that is left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who suffered his own season-ending knee injury in week 8 of the 2024 season.

Darrisaw is still a ways away from returning to the practice field with his teammates, but his head coach really likes where he is at in his recovery and how he has attacked his rehab, to this point. Of course, when KOC turns a conversation the way he did Monday with Christian, you do wonder about his timeline and whether or not he will be ready by day one.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Trying to Trade for Sam Howell…?

He has about six months before the start of the season, so there is plenty of time. In no way does the 25-year-old staple left tackle seem behind schedule, it’s just worth wondering how far out that original return date really was, given how late in the season he suffered the injury.

KOC gave an update (kind of) on Christian Darrisaw today too. pic.twitter.com/Lr4HjKJu9B

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) April 22, 2025

“Christian [Darrisaw] has absolutely, knocked it out of the park so far. Working alongside our staff here. He’s had a really, really good offseason up until this point. The latest update I got. You know, he’s lifting, he’s running…people were pretty excited about where he’s at now. It’s just a matter of maintaining.”

“And he’s had such a professional focus, with very, very, you know, really from day one, remarkably, he’s just had such a good attitude about attacking [his rehab], knowing exactly what he is and who he is as a player and working his way right back to that place and beyond. So [we] feel really good about that.”

Kevin O’Connell on the recovery of Christian Darrisaw

Mekhi Blackmon, Javon Hargrave, Will Fries “limited”

The final few Minnesota Vikings injury updates today via Kevin O’Connell had to do with two freshly-signed free agents, Javon Hargrave (partially-torn right tricep) and Will Fries (tibia fracture), along with depth cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (torn ACL).

According to KOC, the latter is nearing the very end of his rehab and individual work, before returning to the practice field. He described both Hargrave and Fries as “limited” to start offseason activities.

Javon Hargrave and Will Fries –“Hargrave is another one that will probably be limited a little bit early on, but should progress throughout the spring. Will Fries and Hargrave are kind of in a similar spot, but expect those guys to progress at a pretty good clip, especially as we head toward phase two [of offseason programs].

Mekhi Blackmon –“A guy kind of heading toward the end point of that rehab, from his ACL [injury], and I see him progressing to football activities here as we move through the spring.”

Just like on the d-line, the offensive line’s biggest problems were on the interior, especially guard. But instead of signing a guard, their first OL move of free agency was at center, 31-year-old long-time Indianapolis Colts mauler, Ryan Kelly, to replace Garrett Bradbury.

One former Colt helped Minnesota Vikings land another former Colt

The Vikings’ only other signing on the starting offensive line (so far) was at right guard, another former Colt — and one of the most sought after o-linemen on the market this offseason — 26-year-old former Penn State Nittany Lion , Will Fries.

Fries signed just one day after Kelly was brought on board, which wasn’t a coincidence. On Tuesday at the NFL Owners Meetings, Kevin O’Connell revealed to media that Ryan Kelly was the reason for Will Fries signing. It doesn’t appear that Minnesota was on the right guard’s radar, or vice versa, until Kelly signed, then connected the dots for them.

The Vikings never planned to add both center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries, according to O’Connell. Kelly became a possibility, then he helped the Vikings land Fries, who had countless suitors. Acquiring both players speaks to what the Vikings have built from a cultural standpoint to attract talent. Minnesota has become a destination for players seeking the best facilities and resources, even if that means opting against their previous team.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

What do Ryan Kelly and Will Fries bring to Vikings?

Ryan Kelly was drafted 18th overall pick in 2016. He’s played 121 games across 9 seasons. Every single one of his 7,696 career snaps have been taken at the center position. Kelly was named a second-team All-Pro in 2020, and he’s made four Pro Bowls.

Last season, Kelly played just 10 games, thanks to a knee injury that required surgery. Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was confident on Tuesday that their new center will be available right away. Injuries are a bit of a concern for Ryan Kelly, who only once (2023) has played all 17 games of an NFL regular season.

As a rookie, Will Fries played tackle for the Colts. He moved to right guard for his sophomore NFL season, where he started nine of 16 games. In 2023, he started all 17 games all over the Indy OL. Then last season, Fries was back at right guard, until he broke his tibia in week five, ending his season.

Will Fries in pass protection is a treat pic.twitter.com/ZMLWjr5rG9

— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) March 11, 2025

For what feels like forever, the Minnesota Vikings have been weak at right guard. Since head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah took over control of player-personnel decision-making in 2022, it’s been former 2nd round draft pick Ed Ingram and veteran Dalton Risner battling back and forth at that position.

Related: Interesting New Details in Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s Contract with Vikings Revealed

Neither was a long-term solution, though. Ingram failed to develop into the type of pass-blocker needed to protect a QB in the MN Vikings pass-happy offensive scheme and Risner can’t run block to save his life. All of that should change with the edition of Ryan Kell and Will Fries. The fact that they already have years of rapport should only help the o-line get up to speed even faster, come training camp.

New Minnesota Vikings O-Linemen getting paid handsomely

The first OL upgrade came Monday, when the Vikings agreed to terms with former Colts center, Ryan Kelly. Then, early Tuesday morning, they did the same with his teammate, top free agent guard Will Fries. Both will be paid in the top 10 at their respective position.

Will Fries’ new deal is worth five years, $88 million. He immediately slots in as Minnesota’s new starting right guard. Fries was the fourth-best guard in the NFL last season, as ranked by Pro Football Focus (86.9 DEF Grade), drawing especially high marks as a run blocker (84.9 RBLK Grade – fifth-best guard in NFL).

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

When he officially signs Wednesday, the soon to be 27-year-old Fries will become the NFL’s ninth-highest-paid offensive guard, according to Spotrac. His signing represents a Minnesota Vikings willingness to invest on the interior OL in a way they have not been willing to since the Steve Hutchinson signing in the mid-2000s.

Incumbent Vikings offensive linemen aren’t cheap, either

Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly was signed to a much more affordable contract, from an overall money standpoint, But at two years, $18 million ($9M AAV), the 31-year-old 4X Pro Bowler comes in as the seventh-highest-paid center in the NFL. Don’t forget about Bradbury is still the 16th-highest-paid center too.

The MN Vikings’ new offensive linemen will join cornerstone tackles Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw, who were set in stone on the depth chart before the offseason began. Back in 2021, the Vikings signed O’Neill — their two-time Pro Bowl right tackle — to a five-year, $92.5 million contract extension, locking him in until 2027.

Then in June of 2023, the Vikings inked 2021 1st round pick, left tackle Christian Darrisaw, to a four-year, $104 million contract extension, locking their blindside protector in until 2030. He’s currently the NFL’s third-highest-paid tackle, with an annual average salary of $26 million per season.

Related: Vikings’ New Free Agent Deal Just Got Sweeter

Don’t forget about former first-round pick Garrett Bradbury, who signed a three-year contract extension worth up to $15.75 million ($5.25M AAV) back in 2023. The former Nebraska Cornhusker is only under contract for the 2025 season, but his time in purple could be even more limited than that, should the Vikings decide to move on, now that they have Ryan Kelly to play center.

Vikings now have NFL’s most expensive offensive line

Add it all up, and the Vikings now have the most expensive offensive line in the NFL, with an annual average value (AAV) of $86.7 million per season, according to Spotrac. The Carolina Panthers come in second, at an AAV of $84.7 million, with the Chiefs right behind them.

In other words, no team has invested more monetarily into their offensive line than the Vikings have, after their signings this week. Now, if their investment turns into production, the future of the Minnesota Vikings offensive line should be a lot better next year and beyond.

Monday evening, the Vikings made their first OL upgrade, agreeing to terms with 31-year-old Colts center, Ryan Kelly, before landing on a lucrative 3-year deal to bring back 27-year-old CB1 Byron Murphy Jr. And if patience isn’t your thing, then Tuesday has been a good morning.

Before most MN Vikings fans had gotten their kids off to school for the day, Kwesi & Co agreed to terms on a 3-year contract for Commanders DT Jonathan Allen, the No. 10 ranked free agent at The Athletic, who stayed in town overnight after visiting TCO Performance Center on Monday.

Minnesota Vikings sign top guard Will Fries

But even after the Allen signing on the iDL and Kelly on the iOL, Minnesota still needed to get better in the trenches. So after suring up one side, the Vikings immediately turned their focus back to the other, agreeing to terms with the No. 14 ranked free agent in The Athletic’s Top 150 — 26-year-old Will Fries — to a 5-year deal worth $88 million.

Guard Will Fries is headed to the #Vikings for five years and $88 million, sources told ESPN.

One of the top interior linemen on the market is now off the board. pic.twitter.com/xL38oVQfNO

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 11, 2025

Fries’ five year deal is the longest of any deal the Minnesota Vikings have handed out so far this week. The former Penn State Nittany Lion was drafted in the seventh round in 2021 and has completely blown his draft projections out of the water.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Free Agency Signings – 2025

As a rookie, Fries played in three games, all at tackle. He moved to right guard during, for his second season, where he started nine of 16 games for the Colts. In 2023, he started all 17 games, but filled in all over the OL. Last season, Fries was back at right guard, where he started five games before suffering a season-ending broken tibia.

Will Fries was arguably the best run blocking guard in the NFL weeks 1-5.

Relatively small sample size of elite play, but he had been steadily improving before his 2024 breakout. Versatile run blocker who thrives whether it’s zone or gap.

Should’ve been signed by now… pic.twitter.com/OxSJSUN6y4

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) March 10, 2025

Fries is expected to make a full recovery from his injury, something the Vikings are clearly confident in, given the massive deal they just gave him. By adding Fries to the fold, Kevin O’Connell made good on his offseason promise to improve the interior offensive line.

Vikings offensive line upgraded

The presence of Kelly and Fries, alongside both Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, presents one of the more formidable offensive fronts in the league, on paper. Now, the question remains what the Minnesota Vikings plan to do at the other guard position, and with their now backup center, Garrett Bradbury.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Signing New Pro Bowl Center

Blake Brandel started at left guard for Minnesota last season. His results went downhill, upon Christian Darrisaw exiting for the season, with a knee injury. 2022 2nd round pick, Ed Ingram is an expected cap casualty, at some point between now and the start of the regular season. No matter how it all shakes out, this group is already significantly better than what the MN Vikings put on the field last season.