The Vikings activated offensive lineman Dalton Risner from injured reserve Saturday, and he could make his season debut Sunday night against the Indianapolis Colts.
Vikings activate offensive guard Dalton Risner for Sunday night’s game against the Colts
Risner, who has been out since training camp with a back injury, could play on the right or left side. The Vikings haven’t announced who will start at left tackle for injured Christian Darrisaw.
The Vikings have not said publicly how they plan to replace left tackle Christian Darrisaw against the Colts. Darrisaw suffered a season-ending knee injury in the team’s last game, an Oct. 24 loss to the Rams.
The VIkings acquired left tackle Cam Robinson in a deal with the Jaguars on Tuesday, and he practiced with the team Thursday and Friday. But coach Kevin O’Connell would not say Friday whether Robinson will start Sunday night.
If Robinson does not start, the Vikings could go with David Quessenberry at left tackle, or move left guard Blake Brandel to tackle and play Risner at guard, where he started 11 games last season. Before Darrisaw’s injury, Risner was seen as an alternative to Ed Ingram on the right side and had been practicing in that spot.
Risner has been out because of a back injury since training camp, but O’Connell said Risner is healthy. After being listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report, he was upgraded Saturday and carries no designation into the game.
“I feel great about having Dalton available,” O’Connell said Friday. “He knows he’s got my confidence and he’ll be ready to go when called upon.”
The Vikings put defensive lineman Taki Taimani on injured reserve Saturday because of an ankle injury he first suffered in Wednesday’s practice. They elevated Jalen Redmond from the practice squad for the defensive line.
In Atlanta, the refrains praising Kirk Cousins' leadership are familiar. But the longevity of his connection with the Falcons is already in doubt as he prepares to play the Vikings.