(Eagan) With the playoffs fast approaching, the Vikings are dealing with injuries to two of their starters on the offensive line.
The team added right tackle Brian O’Neill and center Austin Schlottman to the sideline list on Tuesday.
PHOTO FROM VIKINGSWIRE.USATODAY.COM
Minnesota Vikings center Austin Schlottman (65)
Veteran center Greg Mancz has also been hired following the calf injury suffered by O’Neil on Sunday in Green Bay.
As for Schlottman, he fractured his left leg during the same game.
Minnesota (12-4) lost 41-17 at Lambeau Field.
Chris Reed, usually a guard, replaced Schlottman often hesitantly.
The brigade was punished five times against the Packers: twice for delaying the game and once for holding, in addition to two offsides.
Oli Udoh took over as right tackle.
Schlottman was himself the replacement for Garrett Bradbury, who has been out for four games with back pain.
O’Neill and Schlottman must each miss at least four games.
The only scenario where they would return this season would be a Vikings appearance at the Super Bowl on February 12.
O’Neill hadn’t missed a game since being drafted in the 2018 second round.
Mancz was released by Cleveland on December 23. He played 64 games in the NFL, including 32 starts. He also played with Buffalo, Miami and Houston.
Champions of the NFC North Division, the Vikings will play at home in the first round.
They finished the regular season with an 8-1 record at home.
Minnesota completes the regular schedule Sunday at Soldier Field.