Injuries have actually started to play a role in Vikings’ camp, although they have avoided anything serious to their top guys. Still, among others, Justin Jefferson, Josh Metellus, Ryan Kelly, and T.J. Hockenson have missed practice time. Their absences are short-term, though. One newcomer got worse news.
Vikings Lineman Reportedly Suffered Nasty Injury
In Monday night’s practice, freshly signed offensive tackle Matt Nelson reportedly suffered a severe injury that will sideline him for a while, according to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson.
Wolfson reported on social media, “Unfortunate news for #Vikings OL Matt Nelson after he just signed last week: Told he suffered a biceps tear last night.”
A torn biceps might lead to a very-late-season return for a star player, but a roster-bubble guy like Nelson will likely be shut down in the next few days. The Vikings will then either place him on IR or release him with an injury designation, which would have the same effect. Being placed on injured reserve at this time of the year would end his season.
It’s especially unfortunate for Nelson, as the experienced tackle was just signed last week to provide valuable depth.
On Thursday, to be exact, the team announced his arrival. Defensive lineman Alexander Williams was axed to make room for the tall blocker.
Nelson, a 29-year-old from Grand Rapids, Iowa, attended the University of Iowa. In 2019, he went undrafted but signed with the Detroit Lions, where he played for five seasons. Last year, the New York Giants added him in March, but he was released before the season opener against the Vikings and didn’t play a game that season.
With the Lions, Nelson has competed in 43 contests (14 starts), primarily as a backup lineman. Overall, Nelson logged 1,071 offensive snaps and another 187 on special teams. Most of those offensive reps took place at left tackle or as a sixth offensive lineman, a role Dan Skipper has had in the last few years.
His PFF resume:
- 2020: 55.8 (107th of 135 eligible OTs)
- 2021: 50.8 (133rd of 148 OTs)
- 2022: 46.3
- 2023: 58.0
It’s important to note that he didn’t even reach 100 snaps in either of the last two seasons. Neither his pass protection grade nor his run blocking stands out. All in all, his PFF page looks like that of a depth lineman, and that’s what the Vikings hired him to be for them.
Nelson was unlikely to make the 53-man roster, but having someone who has played some NFL football in his career could’ve still been valuable, and the Vikings might have found a way to keep him around on the practice squad.
At this point, starters Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are set on the roster, and so is potential Darrisaw replacement Justin Skule, who has taken the first-team reps at left tackle in his absence. Walter Rouse, a 2024 sixth-rounder, and undrafted rookie Logan Brown vie for a fourth OT slot on the 53-man roster. The loser of that battle is another strong practice squad candidate.
Nelson is 29.
