4 Minnesota Vikings on the hot seat during 2022 playoffs
By Dean Jones
Oli Udoh – OT
Injuries are all part of the business, unfortunately. It just so happens one of the worst possible outcomes came for the Vikings at just the wrong time.
Brian O’Neill’s campaign came to an abrupt end thanks to a significant calf injury that resulted in the stud right tackle going onto injured/reserve. This is nothing short of disastrous for an offensive line that’s already missing starting center Garrett Bradbury.
O’Neill’s consistency and leadership will be sorely missed. The Vikings are expected to move forward with Oli Udoh as his replacement, which shouldn’t fill anyone with the greatest optimism based on his previous production.
The veteran lineman’s featured in just 61 snaps this season. Something that largely stems from his ill-disciplined time as a starting option in 2021.
Udoh gave up just one sack but conceded a whopping 16 penalties from 1,075 snaps during the previous campaign. So the jury is well and truly out regarding his chances of stepping in and providing assistance.
Such an opportunity is something Udoh probably didn’t expect at this stage or proceedings. O’Neill’s absence is a body blow to Minnesota’s hopes of making postseason waves, so the former sixth-round pick must step up in his absence.