Nearly the entire 91-man Vikings roster was present at the TCO Performance Center on Wednesday for the team’s first Organized Team Activity (OTA) session open to the media. However, a few players were absent, including the team’s most expensive offseason signing: former Colts guard Will Fries.
Fries was in the midst of a breakout season last fall before a fractured right tibia in Week 5 ended his campaign. The severity of the injury has kept him in recovery mode for nearly eight months. Despite that, Minnesota still signed the 27-year-old to a five-year, $87.7 million deal with $44 million guaranteed. While he’s progressing, Fries likely won’t be a full participant until training camp begins in mid-July.
“We’re being cautious, given the nature of his injury and now that we’ve had a chance to evaluate him,” said head coach Kevin O’Connell. “We probably won’t see him fully active this spring, but I’m very excited for when he’s able to join the team. Training camp seems most likely, though there’s a possibility we see him in a limited capacity over the next couple of weeks. He’s in a good spot.”
In Fries’ absence, Blake Brandel was reportedly taking reps at right guard with the first-team offense. Brandel, who played left guard last season, is expected to be the top backup for both guard spots this year. First-round pick Donovan Jackson is projected to start at left guard.
For now, Fries remains focused on completing his rehab. He’s drawn attention in the weight room with his strength and athleticism. At 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds, the former seventh-round pick from Penn State is turning heads.
“You almost can’t believe some of the things he’s doing in the weight room,” O’Connell added.
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Another new Viking still recovering is wide receiver Rondale Moore, who tore his ACL last August. He may also be limited at the start of training camp.
Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and safety Josh Metellus were also absent from Wednesday’s session. With Mekhi Blackmon still rehabbing from his own ACL injury, Jeff Okudah and Dwight McGlothern lined up with Byron Murphy Jr. as the first-team cornerbacks. Meanwhile, Metellus is considered a strong candidate for a contract extension.