A year ago, Dalton Risner was a free agent, and he was a player that a number of Minnesota Vikings fans wanted the team to sign. Well, the Vikings eventually did, and he ended up starting 11 games for the team at left guard last season.
A few months ago, Risner re-signed with Minnesota, but his new deal didn't come with any guarantee of a spot on the team's starting offensive line. Still, Vikings fans seemed optimistic about the veteran offensive lineman's chances of securing a job on the team's final 2024 roster.
Well, Risner might get a chance to suit up for Minnesota again this season, but he's going to have to wait a few more weeks before that can happen. On Monday, the Vikings reportedly placed him on the team's injured reserve list, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, which means he won't be eligible to play until after Week 4.
Dalton Risner to IR is good news for Minnesota Vikings players on roster bubble
With Risner not counting as one of the 53 players on the team's active roster for the first four weeks of the 2024 regular season, it opens up a spot for a member of Minnesota who is currently on the roster bubble.
For guys like wide receiver Trishton Jackson, offensive guard Tyrese Robinson, linebacker Brian Asamoah, and cornerback Akayleb Evans, their chances of remaining with the Vikings past Tuesday when final cuts are made are now higher with Risner heading to the injured reserve list.
Some might be wondering how Risner even ended up on Minnesota's injured reserve list, but the veteran blocker hasn't practiced in a few weeks due to a back injury.
Many thought the Vikings were just going to cut him before Tuesday, but ultimately, the team decided to at least have the option of bringing him back in a few weeks in case they need some additional offensive line depth.
