Blake Brandel wants to help the Vikings however he can, even if it means switching positions.
Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune wrote Brandel is one willing and experienced option to fill in at left tackle for Christian Darrisaw, who suffered season-ending ACL and MCL injuries Thursday.
“I’ll do whatever,” Brandel said after practice. “I’m here for the team. Whatever is asked of me, I’ll do.”
Brandel popped in training camp as a player to watch and has started all seven games this season at left guard. He played 163 snaps, mostly as a backup, at right guard in 2023, but also has edge experience.
In 2022, Brandel started three games in place of Darrisaw at left tackle and fared OK. He also flanked the left side in 39 of 48 career games at Oregon State and was a two-time All-Pac-12 Second-Team selection. Although Brandel has focused on learning guard the past two years, he has a great background at tackle.
“There’s things that translate from every position,” Brandel said. “But at the same time, there’s things that are different. At tackle, you get out there and there’s more space, whereas at guard things happen a little bit quicker. Having experience at both positions, I think there’s things that are easier at one position than the other and there’s things that are harder. So, just fine-tuning all that stuff, and we’ll see.”
When Darrisaw was injured last Thursday the Vikings turned to veteran David Quessenberry, who has filled in at left and right tackle since joining Minnesota in 2023. There’s been some speculation that Quessenberry could remain the team’s swing tackle if the Vikings opt to move Brandel to left tackle and activate Dalton Risner at left guard. Risner is in his 21-day evaluation window, and a corresponding roster move would be required.
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