After surprise deactivation, head coach Kevin O'Connell addresses the future of Ed Ingram
The Minnesota Vikings have shown some major issues and warts on the interior of the offensive line this season. Even though the Vikings had a really good start on the interior, things have gotten dicey as of late. Ahead of the game against the Tennessee Titans, the Vikings made the decision fans were clamoring for […]
The Minnesota Vikings have shown some major issues and warts on the interior of the offensive line this season.
Even though the Vikings had a really good start on the interior, things have gotten dicey as of late. Ahead of the game against the Tennessee Titans, the Vikings made the decision fans were clamoring for when they replaced Ed Ingram with Dalton Risner.
The decision has been one that the Vikings have seen mixed results with so far, but it also led to Ingram being a healthy scratch on Sunday afternoon.
Kevin O'Connell explains Ed Ingram's deactivation
Even though he was benched, it was a relatively shocking move for Ingram to not dress on Sunday afternoon. It was a surprise for many, but O'Connell explained the reasoning behind it, which makes sense.
"I'm glad you asked that. Cam Robinson did a helluva job working through that foot. He was going to give it a go, but we wanted to make sure. We felt stressed in Chicago, having only one tackle for the game beyond Cam. We wanted to get (Walter) Rouse up. With that, needed Dan Feeney, because he's one of our backup centers. (Michael) Jurgens and Ingram, both those guys, it was the necessity of the numbers for the day. I wouldn't read anything into it. Ed's been doing a great job. I would anticipate as we get healthy and can stack a full week for Cam together, I would anticipate Ed be back up. Absolutely nothing to do with anything larger picture or anything."
It makes a lot more sense with that explanation behind it, but it's still a disappointing thing to see. Ingram was the 59th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft and started the first 41 games he was healthy enough to suit up for.
However, picking the more versatile players with the uncertainty surrounding Robinson is a smart play. With Risner's play as of late, the Vikings might feel inclined to make the switch back. Even if they do that, it's evident the Vikings will have to address the interior offensive line this offseason.
Sam Darnold’s resilience and Aaron Jones’ struggles highlights Vikings’ Studs and Duds in Week 13 win vs. Cardinals
The resilience of the Vikings is the biggest reason why they got the win
