The Minnesota Vikings just wrapped up their first week of full-team OTAs, and they are providing fans with some good news about their offensive line.
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell recently spent some time answering questions from the local Twin Cities media about all things related to the team's OTA workouts. At one point, O'Connell provided a much-needed update regarding one of their big-name free agent signings in offensive guard Will Fries.
This offseason, Fries has been continuing to recover from a fractured tibia he suffered last season. O'Connell shared that the veteran offensive lineman will most likely not participate in workouts during the spring, but he's encouraged that he will be ready after that.
"It's almost hard to believe with how strong he is some of the things you are hearing about from what he's doing in the weight room, but we're being really smart just with the injury that it was, and once we are able to get him in and get a feel for that.
Knowing how we handle the spring, I don't know if we will see him fully active this spring, but I have no hesitation to say that I'm really excited to see him when he is able to get out there. More likely training camp, but there's still a chance we could see him in some bits and pieces of work over the next two weeks, but he's in a good spot."
Will Fries getting healthy is the key to Minnesota Vikings success in 2025
The Indianapolis Colts selected Fries in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft and have risen the ranks as one of the top guards in the NFL. He has started 31 of 41 games over the last four years, but his tibia injury cost him five games last year.
According to PFF, Fries was one of the best guards in the NFL last season. He received an overall grade of 86.9, which was ranked fourth among all guards. His run-blocking grade is what elevated him to be one of the top guards, as he ranked fifth with a grade of 84.9.
Earlier this offseason, Minnesota signed Fries to a mammoth five-year, $88 million contract that will keep him on the roster through the 2029 season. He's expected to be slotted in as the starting right guard, which was held by Ed Ingram and Dalton Risner last year.
Fries joins Ryan Kelly and 2025 first-round pick Donovan Jackson as new projected starters on the offensive line. Kelly and Fries were part of the $300 million spending spree on free agents to build a Super Bowl-caliber team.
The Vikings hope to have their starting right guard available for training camp as the new starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy will need all the help he can get.