Massive Vikings Lineman Remains in the Doghouse
For some reason, backup offensive tackle Walter Rouse is still inactive.
The Vikings lineman doesn’t lack for size, coming in at a massive 6’6″ and 330 pounds. He’s Minnesota’s biggest player, giving him an obvious appeal (especially since he’s still young). Yet again, Mr. Rouse was inactive for the Week 16 game. The designation is particularly notable given the absence of LT1 Christian Darrisaw alongside the bumps and bruises for RT1 Brian O’Neill.
Huge Vikings Lineman Walter Rouse Still Inactive
In fairness, head coach Kevin O’Connell made sure to clarify his understanding of the tackle depth.
The starting pair are Darrisaw and O’Neill. Next up is Justin Skule, who has been the OT3 all season. Needing someone else means turning to Blake Brandel, the football version of a utility player in baseball. He can play any of the five positions up front. As a result, Mr. Brandel is tremendously valuable to the Vikings.
Doesn’t the achy OT position make Rouse more appealing — and needed — than ever, though?
Rouse came to town at the top of the 6th in the 2024 NFL Draft, scooped up with a pick that arrived in the Twin Cities due to the Ezra Cleveland trade. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah conveyed optimism about his late-round lineman, suggesting he could develop into a strong player.
The 24-year-old offensive tackle has commonly been scratched for games. Teams carry 53 players on the active roster but several don’t dress for the game. Rouse has often been among those who get told not to put on his helmet and shoulder pads.
He has only played in six games, a modest total since the season has seen fifteen games go by. Even worse is that Minnesota hasn’t exactly been the most healthy team in the NFL. Only Will Fries hasn’t missed time due to injury among the starting five.
But despite the turmoil, Rouse hasn’t had a single start. His playing time has been at 88 snaps on offense alongside 27 snaps on special teams. The stats show 1 sack allowed under his watch. There have been 6 pressures and a penalty, too.
Right now, the Vikings would appear to have bigger fish to fry than a 6th-Round offensive tackle not living up to expectations. The 16-13 victory in New York didn’t come without some pitfalls.
Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy is working through yet another injury. Currently, the focus is on his hand/wrist. The past injuries have been to his knee (losing a full season), his ankle (losing five games), and a concussion (losing a game).
People will be forgiven if there’s not a ton of optimism.
Even worse is the status of starting center Ryan Kelly, an excellent player who missed some of the Giants game due to another head injury. Very concerning situation, folks.
Lingering in the background of all of this turmoil is a depth option who got praised for his upside not too long ago. Walter Rouse hasn’t seen the final chapter of his football story written, but being consistently inactive isn’t a great sign.
Next up is a Christmas game against the Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings lineman — Mr. Rouse — will try to get into action to help push Minnesota toward a fourth-straight victory.
