EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings are bolstering their struggling offensive line by inking an unsigned veteran free agent.
Following Oli Udoh's injury during Thursday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, along with some early season struggles on the offensive line, the Vikings are adding veteran guard Dalton Risner.
Official confirmation came Sept. 19 via a Vikings post on X, reading, "HE'S HERE!!"
The former Denver Broncos guard had earlier spoiled the surprise, posting on social media a photoshopped picture of him wearing a Vikings uniform with the message "SKOL... SKOL... SKOL... What's up Minnesota???"
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reports it's a one-year deal worth up to $4 million.
Risner, selected in the second round by the Broncos in 2019, started the 2023 season as a free agent though he visited Minnesota on Aug. 1, according to the Vikings website.
Risner could have an immediate impact as injuries and ineffectiveness continue to plague the Vikings' O-Line. During Thursday night's game against the Eagles Minnesota played without two starters in left tackle Christian Darrisaw and center Garrett Bradbury. Udoh, who was playing as Darrisaw's replacement, left the game with a quad injury that was later announced to be season-ending.
Injuries may not be the only reason for Risner's arrival. Minnesota has rushed for a league-low 34.5 yards per game en route to an 0-2 start, while allowing quarterback Kirk Cousins to get knocked down seven times — tied for the most in the NFL.
The Vikings host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, which could mark another difficult day for the offensive line with star edge rusher Joey Bosa coming off a two-sack performance Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.
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