During Monday’s game against the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings right tackle Brian O’Neill briefly left the field due to a knee injury. However, he returned and played the majority of the game. Despite his return, concerns lingered about the impact of the injury on his availability for the remainder of the 2024 season.
After the Vikings’ victory over the Bears, O’Neill addressed reporters and provided an update on his knee.
“It feels pretty good. It’s probably going to be sore, but everything looks fine structurally. I should be good to go. I don’t think it’ll be an issue.”
Fortunately, it seems O’Neill will be ready for Minnesota’s next game in Week 16 against the Seattle Seahawks. This is welcome news, especially considering the initial concerns when he first exited the game.
The Vikings had already lost starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a season-ending injury earlier in the year, so any significant issue with O’Neill would have been a major setback for the offense. For now, it appears O’Neill will be on the field next Sunday against the Seahawks.
It would also be unfortunate if O’Neill’s season were cut short, given his strong performance in 2024. Heading into Monday, he had the ninth-best PFF offensive grade among 80 qualifying NFL tackles, ranked fourth in pass-blocking efficiency out of 85 qualifying tackles, and had allowed only four pressures in the previous six games.
A one-time Pro Bowl selection in 2021, O’Neill could very well earn a second Pro Bowl nod if he continues his high level of play throughout the rest of the season.