How many new starters will the Vikings have in the 2022 season?
By Adam Patrick
New Vikings Starters on Offense for Week 1
Irv Smith Jr. – TE
Yes, obviously Irv Smith Jr. is not a new member of the Vikings roster. However, Smith has never opened up a season as Minnesota’s starting tight end.
He was expected to be the No. 1 tight end last year, but then he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason. Smith is currently recovering from a thumb injury, but it sounds like he’s on track to be on the field for the Vikings’ Week 1 matchup with the Packers.
Christian Darrisaw – LT
Minnesota’s top draft pick in 2021, Christian Darrisaw didn’t enter the team’s starting lineup until their Week 6 game against the Carolina Panthers last season.
Darrisaw wound up starting 10 games in 2021, and this year, he will open the regular season as the Vikings’ starting left tackle.
Ed Ingram – RG
Selected in the second round by Minnesota in this year’s NFL Draft, Ed Ingram beat out veteran offensive lineman Jesse Davis for the starting right guard job this summer.
Since Ingram is a rookie, we should still expect some hiccups from him this season. But if all goes well, he has a chance to remain the Vikings’ starting right guard for the next few years.