With the regular season approaching, Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner still sounds concerned about his offensive line.
"We have a lot of work to do in the offensive line and we don't have a whole lot of time to get it done before the opener," Turner said. There are reasons for concern.
Center John Sullivan has been out of action for nearly two weeks because of back spasms, which means the line has been without its leader. The Vikings lost right tackle Phil Loadholt for the season because of a torn Achilles' in the second preseason game.
Since then, the Vikings have been trying to get a radically different offensive line to jell. Brandon Fusco is now at left guard. Mike Harris, last season's backup swing tackle, is now at right guard. And rookie T.J. Clemmings has been made the starting right tackle.
The team is also thin with backup help. Carter Bykowski, a potential swing tackle candidate, has been waived, leaving Austin Shepherd and David Yankey to compete for that role.
Bykowski cleared waivers Tuesday and has officially reverted to injured reserve.
The good news is that left tackle Matt Kalil and Fusco have played well on the left side. But, while both Harris and Clemmings have progressed, both need to get much better by opening day, when opposing teams will begin scheming to take advantage of the line's weaknesses.
"People are looking at you and looking at the things they can do to beat you," Turner said. "There are challenges ahead for us.'' Indeed. Turner said the team will need a little luck when it comes to the line, something that has been in short supply of late.