The Vikings could move left guard Blake Brandel over to left tackle, helping to replace the injured Christian Darrisaw. When asked about the potential move after Monday’s practice, Brandel said “we’re still figuring it out” but that he’s open to such a change.
“I’ll do whatever,” Brandel said. “I’m here for the team. Whatever is asked of me, I’ll do.”
Darrisaw, the franchise cornerstone at left tackle, suffered a season-ending knee injury just before halftime of last week’s loss at the Los Angeles Rams. Swing tackle David Quessenberry, a 34-year-old journeyman, replaced Darrisaw for the rest of the game.
But with time to prepare, the Vikings might pivot to Brandel while experienced left guard Dalton Risner is primed to return from injured reserve. Coach Kevin O’Connell said they’re considering “multiple options” to replace Darrisaw.
Brandel, a 2020 sixth-round pick, started 48 games at tackle — primarily on the left side — for Oregon State before arriving in Minnesota. His first three NFL starts came in place of Darrisaw, who suffered concussions in back-to-back games in the middle of the 2022 season.
For two years since, Brandel has been focused on guard, where he earned a starting job this past offseason. He said it’s “been a while” since he practiced at tackle.
“There’s things that translate from every position,” Brandel said. “But at the same time, there’s things that are different. At tackle, you get out there and there’s more space, whereas at guard things happen a little bit quicker. Having experience at both positions, I think there’s things that are easier at one position than the other and there’s things that are harder. So, just fine-tuning all that stuff, and we’ll see.”
Center Garrett Bradbury said the Vikings’ worst fears were realized when test results came back Friday confirming Darrisaw’s torn ACL and MCL in his left knee.