While fans and analysts are focused on trade rumors surrounding tight end Kyle Rudolph, they should be more concerned about the absence of starting right tackle Brian O’Neill. The second-year starter, who is paid to protect Kirk Cousins, was missing from practice Wednesday. In his absence, the $84 million man was taken to the turf by his own teammate.
O’Neill was a rare bright spot on Minnesota’s shaky offensive line last year, but he was sidelined during the second practice of the season with an undisclosed injury. Rashod Hill replaced O’Neill for the day, but he and his other linemen failed to protect the man in red. Quarterbacks always wear bright red jerseys during practice so adrenaline-filled defensemen don’t hit them.
O’Neill’s presence was certainly missed, but the line is also learning a new system brought in by Rick Dennison. The offensive line coach is teaching the squad to zone block vs man to man. As a result, Cousins was frequently under duress during the two-hour session, and at one point was inadvertently taken to the turf.
You never want to see the signal-caller down on the ground in his red jersey. An innocent practice can lead to a near career-ending injury, as it did with former Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in 2016. Accidents happen, but Cousins’ incident made me wonder if Teddy’s devastating knee injury was truly non-contact? After all, we never saw the tape.
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When Cousins is injured will the Vikings “fold” like the Packers do when Rodgers goes down?
I’d like to think the team has enough talent to stay afloat, but it would certainly be an irreplaceable loss.