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The Vikings’ Front Office Could Get Backed into a Corner with 1 Injury Development
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- The Vikings’ Front Office Could Get Backed into a Corner with 1 Injury Development
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
All things considered, Joe Huber has been playing strong football. The sophomore UDFA got tossed into the LG1 job due to Donovan Jackson needing knee surgery. So far, Huber has played scrappy, physical football, creating some optimism about him being able to keep the offensive line afloat.
Part of what the Vikings' front office will be monitoring, though, is his current injury.
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On Wednesday, Huber couldn't get out there for practice, per the team injury report . Maybe that was simply the Vikings being cautious. Do note, though, that Minnesota's response was to shift snaps onto Trevor Keegan and Caleb Tiernan for that left guard job, a move meant to prepare these depth lads for game duty if there's a need for help.
The Vikings' Front Office & The OL Depth
A major part of the intrigue with Huber playing some solid ball is that he could develop into a long-term solution at right guard.
As things stand, Huber is needed at left guard to place the injured Jackson. Next year, the young LG1 will be back and there's a good chance that the pricey RG1 — Will Fries — will get cut to save some money on his beefy deal . Could Huber slide toward the right side? If so, then that's a good development for a Vikings team that would welcome the cap savings.
Oct 11, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) hands off to running back Aaron Jones (33) against New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
In the immediate, the focus isn't on whether Joe Huber can be the 2027 RG1. Instead, the top priority is to see him play well as the starting left guard. He'll need to be healthy to do so.
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Some good news arrived earlier today with the revelation that the young lad was able to get worked back into the mix at practice. The expectation, then, should be that Huber gets sent out there for action in Week 8 against the Detroit Lions. He'll have to be sharp since going against Detroit NT Alim McNeill isn't for the faint of heart.
Aaron Jones and Joe Huber both returned to practice Thursday. https://t.co/Yma9TIKWyX
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 29, 2026
Still, though, this is a situation to monitor.
Already, one starting offensive lineman (Donovan Jackson) has been lost for the year. Depth option Nick Samac has been on the IR for the past little while. LT1 Christian Darrisaw missed some time before the bye due to injury. RT1 Brian O'Neill has been nursing a knee ailment, as well. It's not hard to see how the offensive line could be left in a tough shape if one or two things end up going poorly.
Sep 27, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O'Neill (75) looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
To guard against disaster, the Vikings' front office may opt to pickup some depth for the offensive line.
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Many were likely dreaming of Quenton Nelson prior to seeing him go to the Seahawks. What about Ben Bredeson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? He'd a solid veteran who has experience playing all of LG, C, and RG. The Vikings' front office could see if a late Day 3 pick would get the job done.
On Sunday, watch for Joe Huber at left guard. Seeing him both start and finish would be a good development for a Vikings team that still has much to prove.
Also Read on Vikings Territory: Barely Under the Surface, The Vikings are Seeing an Issue Bubble Up
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