Texans Claim Former Vikings Offensive Lineman

Feb 2, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; A detail shot of a Houston Texans helmet prior to a press conference introducing Demeco Ryans as head coach at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Over the past few weeks, the Minnesota Vikings have been making a number of moves along their offensive line to mix up the competition.

On Monday morning, the team made the decision to waive OT Jacky Chen in order to sign Chim Okorafor. A little after a day after this decision, it seems that Chen has already found his new landing spot as he was claimed by the Houston Texans off of waivers on Tuesday afternoon.

Houston Texans Claim Former Vikings Lineman

Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) reacts after a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

The claim was reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, who tweeted a list of moves from the transaction wire. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 also tweeted about the move, writing, “#Texans awarded offensive tackle Jacky Chen off waivers from #Vikings.”

Chen, an undrafted free agent, signed with the Vikings this spring in May after taking part in a rookie workout. He spent his collegiate years playing at Pace University and appeared in three special teams snaps during Minnesota’s first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. All three snaps came with the field goal unit.

Texans Claim
Aug 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Levi Bell (98) tackles Minnesota Vikings running back DeWayne McBride (37) during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

With Chen no longer in Minnesota, the Vikings now employ a grand total of seven offensive tackles. The list of names includes Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neill, Vederian Lowe, Oli Udoh, Christian DiLauro, Jarrid Williams, and Okorafor.

Interestingly, Blake Brandel seems to have made the switch over to guard this season, otherwise he would also be included on this list of names. Last season, Brandel made three starts for the Vikings at left tackle while Christian Darrisaw was out with a concussion.

NFL: New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings
Nov 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) and offensive tackle Blake Brandel (64) and teammates react during the game against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

As for Chen, he now heads down south to Houston, joining a tackle room that includes Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard, George Fant, Charlie Heck, Rashaad Coward, and Austin Deculus.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.

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