Kevin O’Connell Offers Injury Update on Vikings’ Top Offseason Addition
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell gave an update on newly signed guard Will Fries, who is still in recovery from a fractured tibia he suffered last season.
At Wednesday’s open session of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) at the TCO Performance Center, nearly all 91 players on the roster were present—except a few, including Fries, the team’s most expensive free agent acquisition this offseason. The former Colts lineman signed a five-year, $87.7 million contract (with $44 million guaranteed) with the Vikings in the spring.
Fries was in the middle of a breakout season last fall before a right tibia fracture in Week 5 cut it short. Nearly eight months later, the 27-year-old is still going through rehab. While the Vikings knew about the injury when they signed him, they’re playing it safe with his return.
“We’re being smart about his recovery,” said O’Connell. “Based on how we manage spring activities, we might not see him fully participate just yet. But I’m really excited for when he can join us—most likely at training camp. There’s a chance he could get limited work in before then, but he’s in a good place right now.”
With Fries unavailable, Blake Brandel has stepped in at right guard with the first team. Brandel, who started at left guard last season, is expected to be a key backup at both guard positions this year. Donovan Jackson, the Vikings’ first-round pick, is projected to start at left guard.
Fries, a former seventh-round pick from Penn State, continues his rehab and is already impressing coaches with his strength.
“What he’s doing in the weight room is incredible—it’s hard to believe how strong he is,” O’Connell added.
Wide receiver Rondale Moore is also rehabbing a torn ACL from last August and may not be fully ready for training camp either.
Two other players missing from OTAs were cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and safety Josh Metellus. With Mekhi Blackmon also recovering from a torn ACL, reps at cornerback went to Jeff Okudah and Dwight McGlothern, alongside Byron Murphy Jr. Metellus, meanwhile, is seen as a potential candidate for a contract extension.
SOURCE;MINNESOTA VIKINGS ON SI/SI.COM
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