The Minnesota Vikings suffered a loss on Thursday Night Football in Week 8, coming up short against the Los Angeles Rams. That loss was disappointing, but losing left tackle Christian Darrisaw for the season in that game was even more devastating.
Backup David Quessenberry did his best to fill in for Darrisaw, but the protection change was obvious. With 9 games remaining in the regular season and a possible postseason appearance, the Vikings must look for ways to replace their left tackle's efficiency.
Vikings make first roster move after losing Christian Darrisaw for rest of 2024 season
On Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings announced on X that they signed offensive tackle Julian Pearl to the practice squad. The team also announced the release of running back Myles Gaskin, linebacker Dallas Gant, and tackle Marcellus Johnson.
The #Vikings have signed T Julian Pearl to the practice squad.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 29, 2024
RB Myles Gaskin has been released and LB Dallas Gant and T Marcellus Johnson have been released from the practice squad. pic.twitter.com/zNlMVqp7Xu
Julian Pearl is a 25-year-old offensive tackle out of Illinois. He was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens and was selected sixth overall in the 2024 UFL Draft by the Michigan Panthers.
The six-foot-six, 325-pound blocker played in 47 games for Illinois during his time in college. He started on the defensive side of the ball but moved to the offensive line and found success at left tackle.
Pearl will not fix the Vikings' problems at left tackle now that Christian Darrisaw has been placed on injured reserve, but he is a prospect that the team can evaluate as a possible candidate to move up to the 53-man roster if needed.
There is quick repair to Minnesota's issue at left tackle. David Quessenberry might get the nod, the team could move Blake Brandel to tackle and bring in a guard like Dalton Risner when he is ready to return, or they could have something completely different in mind.
Meanwhile, the release of Myles Gaskin isn't a huge surprise after Aaron Jones returned to health and the team traded with the Houston Texans for Cam Akers. With Ty Chandler also available, Gaskin's spot became expendable.
The release of Dallas Gant and Marcellus Johnson created spots on the practice squad, one of which was filled by the signing of Julian Pearl. Don't be shocked if either of those players makes their way back to the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad later this season when more transactions are made and players are shuffled around the roster.