The Minnesota Vikings continue to add competition to their offensive line grouping, adding a former Washington Redskins big man to their roster.
It is the time of year when teams like the Minnesota Vikings bring as much talent into training camp to compete for spots on their 53-man roster or possibly on the franchise’s practice squad for the season.
One of the units which are going to look the most different for the Vikings is the offensive line. There are new starters and several rookies and other linemen on the roster, and now one more individual has reportedly joined the fray.
According to his own personal Twitter account, former Washington Redskins lineman Tyler Catalina has struck a deal with Minnesota and will join the team.
There is plenty to Catalina. His six-foot-six, 315-pound frame helped him when he was a starter at both left and right tackle during his college career at Rhode Island and was a team captain. After transferring to Georgia, he started 12 games at left tackle.
After going undrafted in 2017, he was signed by the Redskins and immediately became a backup lineman for them thanks to an impressive preseason and camp. His only NFL action came in Week 8 of his rookie year when he started at right guard in place of an injured Brandon Scherff.
Sadly, his 2018 season ended before it really got started. A shoulder injury in Sept. required surgery and he was played on injured reserve.
Now that 2019 has arrived, Tyler Catalina will have another chance to impress in the preseason and in camp. Another strong performance could find him on the shortlist to either the practice squad or maybe even the 53-man roster.
While this signing might look like the team is just adding another body to the mix for training camp and preseason, that isn’t the case. There is a real chance Tyler Catalina could earn a place with the Minnesota Vikings and he will be one to keep an eye on.