We Now Know the Identity of the Vikings’ Emergency Lineman
In Sunday’s Ireland premiere, the Minnesota Vikings had some unexpected struggles along the offensive line, as the blockers were dropping like flies. Brian O’Neill left the game early with an MCL injury, center Ryan Kelly suffered another concussion, Donovan Jackson was already out after undergoing wrist surgery, and even backup center Michael Jurgens got banged up.
We Now Know the Identity of the Vikings’ Emergency Lineman
Suddenly, the team was running out of protectors up front. Undrafted rookie Joe Huber was set to enter the game before Jurgens emerged from the medical tent.
If someone else had been injured and there was nobody left, who would’ve played on the offensive line? We got that answer this week.
Vikings.com’s Craig Peters wrote, “The Vikings have 10 offensive linemen rostered but had eight available against the Steelers (Jackson and reserve tackle Walter Rouse were inactive). The status Sunday prompted coaches to discuss what would happen if another injury occurred, and O’Connell said tight end Josh Oliver may have been pressed into an emergency situation.”
Josh Oliver is one of the league’s premier run blockers at the tight end position, and he would’ve been the next man up. In theory, deploying a defensive lineman makes sense because they possess the requisite power and size, but they often lack the necessary blocking experience. Oliver, meanwhile, is almost a sixth offensive lineman when he’s in the game.
In fact, his coaches think he’s the very best blocker among tight ends in the NFL.
Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips made some strong claims during last season: “Josh is the best blocking tight end in the league, you know. And that’s no disrespect to anyone else and for anyone who wants to use that as fuel, go ahead; I can’t say I’ve studied each one intently, there are some good ones out there, but we’ll take Josh over anybody in this league in the role that he’s in. He’s not only physical imposing, he’s a 270-pound man, but the attitude that he plays with, the physicality.”
Oliver arrived in the 2023 offseason, and it was quite strange at first. T.J. Hockenson had already been acquired, so why pay two tight ends big-time money?
In his first two seasons and four games, Oliver caught 46 passes for 488 yards and six touchdowns. The man is here to block, and he’s excellent at that one specific job, officially bringing 264 lbs to the table. This year, his numbers show only two catches for 17 yards and one score in Minnesota’s unimpressive passing offense.
In training camp, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores said about the blocker’s presence, “Where’s Josh Oliver in the run game? Because he’s a problem.”
A problem for opponents, indeed, but perhaps more of a problem for the own team if he’s forced to play offensive lineman.
It’s unclear whether he would’ve played guard or tackle, but Carson Wentz is probably happy he didn’t have to find out. In the next game, the Vikings will dress eight or nine offensive linemen, hoping that’s enough to avoid having to play tight ends there.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.