Minnesota Vikings Offensive Line Moves

Injuries forced the Minnesota Vikings to make some moves on the offensive line. Late in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans, rookie center Zeke Correll, undrafted out of North Carolina State, suffered a fractured ankle. He’s already had surgery and is likely done for the season. To replace Correll in the middle of the offensive, the Vikings claimed interior offensive lineman Michael Gonzalez off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons. While Gonzalez essentially replaces Correll in the middle of the Vikings offensive line, it was offensive tackle Matt Nelson that was placed on injured reserve. Signed earlier in training camp to supplement the offensive tackle position, Nelson was injured during last week’s night practice. Now, he’s on injured reserve. 

The Vikings lost two players to significant injuries in the Texans game. Zeke Correll was injured late in the game. Rondale Moore was injured earlier in the game. While their roster futures have yet to be officially announced both are expected to be done for the season. 

As for the Vikings new offensive lineman. After going undrafted, Michael Gonzalez was signed in May by the Atlanta Falcons. At Louisville, he started 32 games, including all 26 games from 2023-24, at left guard. He was All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2024. The Falcons were working him at center. He was waived after the team’s preseason opener and claimed by the Vikings yesterday. Now, he’s behind Ryan Kelly and Michael Jurgens as the third center. His NFL opportunity continues. 

Hopefully, the Minnesota Vikings will NOT be forced into further roster moves due to injury.