How does the Vikings’ offensive line play after key injuries?

Ok, this one isn’t just one player. It is very important, however. The Vikings bought themselves a luxury vehicle in Kirk Cousins. They need to keep him upright so he can play as well for them as he did for Washington.

Before the first preseason game, the Vikings received very bad news. Starting left guard Nick Easton had surgery for a herniated disk in his neck. The team placed him on injured reserve and his 2018 season is over before it even started.

What’s worse is that Easton was actually playing center because the starter there, Pat Elflein, is still on the physically unable to perform list after having offseason ankle and shoulder injuries.

Furthermore, the starting guard opposite Easton, Mark Remmers, is also out due to an ankle injury suffered early in camp.

That’s the entire middle of the line missing for the Vikings.

The team has Tom Compton (a journeyman lineman), former practice squad member Cornelius Edison, and last season’s fifth-round pick, Danny Isidora, replace the three starters. They also signed guard Kaleb Johnson, a fourth-year player who has yet to play in a regular season game in his career.

The offensive line is the biggest concern for the Minnesota Vikings. They need to protect Cousins and open holes for Dalvin Cook. If they cannot get the line in order, a promising season could turn into a struggle.