2 weeks Ago
The Minnesota Vikings officially have another option along the offensive line. Saturday, the team activated guard Dalton Risner from injured reserve. Follow Inside the Vikings on Facebook Related: Vikings vs.
Colts: Predictions, keys to watch in 'SNF' matchup The veteran guard has missed the entire season thus far due to a back injury he suffered in training camp. Because he returned to practice on Oct. 14 , the Vikings had until Monday to activate him from IR or lose him for the rest of the season.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell had said all week that Risner, 29, was healthy and looking good but wasn't certain if the team would activate him ahead of the team's game on Sunday night against the Indianapolis Colts given the fact a corresponding roster move was required to open a spot on the 53-man roster for him. However, defensive tackle Taki Taimani suffered an ankle injury this week and was already ruled out of the Colts game. The Vikings opted to place him on injured reserve to activate Risner, meaning Taimani will miss at least the next four weeks.
It'll now be interesting to see if Risner is inserted into the starting lineup, as he could challenge the struggling Ed Ingram for the right guard job. O'Connell declined to discuss the team's specific plan this week, only saying the team wants to get the five best linemen on the field and they "have a plan." Additionally, the Vikings elevated defensive tackle Jalen Redmond from the practice squad, and O'Connell has already said rookie Levi Drake Rodriguez will be active for the first time on Sunday night with Taimani sidelined.
The Vikings and Colts are set to kick off at 7:20 p.m. Sunday at U.
S. Bank Stadium. Related: Viktor the Viking to host mascot game this weekend for Vikings-Colts © Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports.
