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The Vikings left Green Bay with a 41-17 loss, but the most worrisome part of the outburst was the health of right tackle Brian O’Neill. .
An injury that leaves O’Neal out for an extended period of time is a worst-case scenario for the Vikings. That would drive Oli Udoh to the starting spot for right tackles. It is not a death sentence per se.
“Brian O’Neal had a calf muscle injury. We ruled him out and he will have an MRI,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. and schedule, which we will keep you informed.”
Garrett Bradbury has missed the last four games with a back injury, and Austin Schrottman started at center. Schrottman broke his left leg during the game and was replaced by third-string center Chris Reed.
“Austin Schrottman certainly suffered a fractured fibula in his left ankle. Hopefully we get some positive news from the MRI, but it looks like a pretty serious injury for him.” O’Connell said.
If O’Neal is out for a long period of time and Bradbury never returns to full health, four-fifths of the starting line will be in serious trouble.
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Christian Dalisault has blossomed into one of the best left tackles in the NFL, while Ezra Cleveland is one of the league leaders who can tolerate pressure, right behind rookie right guard Ed Ingram. And whether or not Bradbury is 100% absent is up to third stringer Chris Reed.
“We’re going to make the best group we can,” said O’Connell. “Not only do we need to see how the injury reporting is going to be in the long run, but we also need to see how we can get some of the experienced to the best value and use. There’s a reason players like Chris Reed and Oli are here ( Udoh) and like I said, at some point you’ve got to get Garrett back. And we will put the best group there we can.
O’Neill’s injury is of particular concern as the Vikings are likely to face a strong defensive line and edge rush in the playoffs. If facing the Giants or Lions in the first round, he’ll be facing one of the most electrifying teams in the league. The Packers clearly control the line of scrimmage on Sunday, and the Seahawks are coached by Pete Carroll, one of the most careful coaches in his NFL history.
The Vikings are in danger zone, and if O’Neal’s injuries are long-lasting, there’s no way out.
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