Injuries have become a common theme for the Minnesota Vikings the past few weeks and the offensive line has been hit the hardest. The worst of it was seeing backup center Austin Schlottmann (broken ankle) and starting right tackle Brian O’Neill (partially torn Achilles) being placed on season-ending injured reserve.
That isn’t the end to their injuries, as center Garrett Bradbury has been out for the last five games and tackle Blake Brandel has been out for the last four with a torn MCL.
It was reported earlier on Wednesday that Brandel would have his 21-day practice window activated and head coach Kevin O’Connell thinks he will be activated for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. Before than happens, he wants to see Brandel practice first.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell is going into todays practice with the thinking that Blake Brandel is 100 percent and should be ready to be activated vs Giants but obviously he also wants to see him practice.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) January 11, 2023
For Bradbury, he is returning to practice on a limited basis for the first time since he was in a minor car accident after the game against the Indianapolis Colts. They are staying cautious, but it’s a positive sign.
KOC says Garrett Bradbury will be a limited participant at practice today but they’ll stay cautious. “We won’t put Garrett in a position unless we think he can succeed.”
— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) January 11, 2023
If the Vikings get both players back, it could be an entirely different ballgame against the Giants this time around.
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