Vikings Win a Rare Waiver Claim
The first preseason game of the Minnesota Vikings’ season was a success on the scoreboard, and some players made their cases for roster spots and roles on the team. Others, however, didn’t have the desired results, including a pair of injured players. Rondale Moore, veteran wideout, and center Zeke Correll both suffered significant injuries.
On Monday, the Vikes made sure to cover for Correll’s absence.
Vikings Win a Rare Waiver Claim
Minnesota’s GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah claimed a player off waivers. Waived by another team, the other 31 franchises have the opportunity to place a waiver claim on that player, and the one with the highest priority is getting the player. His old contract will just transfer with him to the new employer.
This time, the Vikings acquired Michael Gonzalez, a center waived by the Atlanta Falcons.
KCPR2’s Aaron Wilson announced on social media, “Vikings awarded Michael Gonzalez off waivers from #Falcons per a league source.”
Gonzalez is an undrafted rookie out of Louisville who is playing the center position. He had been waived by the Falcons just a couple of days ago. Initially, Gonzalez signed in May after rookie minicamp, where he tried out for a job.
The Vikings confirmed the news: “The Vikings on Monday claimed guard Michael Gonzalez via waivers and placed tackle Matt Nelson on Injured Reserve.”
Nelson reportedly suffered a torn biceps in practice. He just signed a couple of weeks ago to be a depth tackle. The placement on IR will end his season.
In college, Gonzalez appeared in 51 games, starting every contest in the last two seasons at left guard. The Falcons, however, attempted to move him to center. Presumably, that plan will be continued by the Vikings. He also played both tackle spots and right guard in his four college seasons.
Louisville’s Si.com writer Matthew McGavic noted after the Falcons had signed him: “Gonzalez went unselected in during the 2025 NFL Draft, but received a rookie minicamp invitation by the Falcons shortly afterwards. During which, Atlanta cross-trained the offensive guard at center, which helped him secure a UDFA deal.”
The Vikings will start Ryan Kelly at center, and Michael Jurgens is his backup. Vershon Lee has also played some center before, but with the newcomer now in the mix, Lee might get to compete for a guard spot instead.
More from McGavic: “This past season as a senior, Gonzalez put together his best season at the collegiate level. Starting all 13 games at left guard, the 6-foot-4, 305-pound lineman allowed no sacks and just 17 total pressures across 457 pass block snaps and 815 blocking snaps overall. He earned all All-ACC honorable mention for his efforts.”
Versatility is always important for backup offensive linemen, as the team can only carry so many on the 53-man roster and not all of those dress on Sundays. Gonzalez can play all over the line, which will increase his odds of making a team. He might get some run in the second preseason game.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.