The Minnesota Vikings have finally tasted defeat in 2024, suffering their first loss of the season after five straight wins. Falling to a formidable Detroit Lions team is no cause for panic, but it has exposed areas where the Vikings can improve, particularly on the offensive line.
One of the key issues has been the inconsistent play of right guard Ed Ingram. The 25-year-old, a former second-round pick in 2022, has started every game he’s been available for in his three-year career but has struggled to establish himself as a dependable NFL starter. Despite his experience, Ingram’s performance in both pass protection and run blocking has left much to be desired, with his latest showing against Detroit being particularly concerning.
This inconsistency has led the Vikings to consider a significant shift. A postgame report from Sunday indicates that the team is “seriously considering” replacing Ingram with veteran Dalton Risner, who is now healthy and eligible to return from the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list. Risner, 29, was signed late last season and started 11 games at left guard for Minnesota, filling in for the injured Ezra Cleveland.
While Risner is primarily known for his pass-blocking prowess—an area where Ingram has struggled—his potential to stabilize the right guard spot could help the Vikings address their biggest problem on the offensive line. Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling recently mentioned on the *Access Vikings Podcast* that a change is likely, emphasizing that the coaching staff is giving serious thought to making Risner the starter over Ingram.
Vikings Week 7 OL PFF grades (overall/run block/pass block/pressures allowed):
Darrisaw 62.1/56.6/85.8/0
Brandel 67.4/61.4/74.9/1
Bradbury 56.0/69.6/37.6/4
Ingram 38.0/43.7/64.8/1
O'Neill 64.4/49.6/78.1/1— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) October 21, 2024
Ed Ingram. Your starting RG through 6 games this season…
He once again finishes dead last for overall @PFF grades on the #Vikings offense and is currently ranked 61st of 62* for the worst pass blocking grade in the #NFL.
It's time to see G Dalton Risner on Thursday against… pic.twitter.com/jHnYOv3otl
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 21, 2024
The move could be critical as the Vikings prepare for a short week ahead of their Thursday Night Football clash against the Los Angeles Rams. With Risner potentially stepping in, and the anticipated return of tight end T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota could quickly rebound from their first loss of the season.
Quarterback Sam Darnold, who has performed admirably in his first season with the Vikings, could benefit greatly from an improved offensive line. The combination of a stronger pass-protecting unit and the return of key offensive weapons may be just what the Vikings need to get back to their winning ways.
