New Vikings Lineman Keeps Earning Praise, Called a “Quiet Killer” and “Caged Animal”

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New Vikings Lineman Keeps Earning Praise, Called a “Quiet Killer” and “Caged Animal”

New Vikings Lineman Keeps Earning Praise, Called a — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

K. Joudry · Vikings Territory

Thu, Oct 8, 2026 ·

4 min read

New Vikings Lineman Joe Huber is Inspiring Belief

Include Kevin O'Connell among those who think that Joe Huber is an impressive lad.

The Vikings' skipper chatted with Paul Allen on Tuesday (as per the weekly tradition). "Joe's been a guy we've been really excited about," the skipper said. A bit more from O'Connell: "It's rare when you have an undrafted free agent a year ago kind of no questions asked has earned the right to make your team." O'Connell proclaimed Huber "ready to go" in his new role.

NFL: New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings

Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Joe Huber (60) goes to block New England Patriots defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

O'Connell can be ruthlessly positive, so take the praise with a grain of salt.

OC Wes Phillips is more understated. He, too, chatted with the media , giving Huber a shout out early in his presser for stepping into the LG job after Donovan Jackson went down. Phillips then said more about the UDFA sophomore, reflecting on how Wisconsin produces "tough, physical, smart guys" along the offensive line, attributes that got attached to the guard.

Later on, Phillips described Huber as being a "quiet killer" and "caged animal." If Huber was being employed as a nurse, in HR, or as a plumber, that would be an odd, concerning way to describe him. In an NFL workplace, being a "killer" and "animal" is a great compliment.

So, some nice praise.

Coming into the season, Huber was looking like a short-term fill-in for the front five. He's now looking like the starter for the remainder of the year. Of course, the plan can change with the pending return of Michael Jurgens, potential in Caleb Tiernan, and various trade possibilities . All of the chatter does point toward at least giving Huber a test drive in that top spot, though.

Aug 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Joe Huber (60) blocks New England Patriots defensive end Milton Williams (97) in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

As things stand, the Minnesota Vikings have a very poor offense. The average points per game puts Minnesota at 18th in the NFL but that's a touch deceiving since so many points have been scored by the specials and by the defense gifting the offense elite field position.

The offense, in short, needs to get much better.

Joe Huber is likely to be a downgrade at left guard. His task is to compete like a composed madman, thereby giving the offense more broadly a chance to elevate through improved play from the quarterback.

Watch the new starting Vikings lineman in Week 5 down in New Orleans. Joe Huber wears the #60 jersey.

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