Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The only thing consistent for the Minnesota Vikings this season has been their inconsistent level of health on the offensive line. After heavily investing in the group this offseason, virtually everything that can go wrong, has.
Kevin O’Connell is staring at a Week 7 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota’s sixth game of the season, and still has yet to roll out the five intended starters. That won’t change any time soon, and a backup may have just slid into a new role.
Blake Brandel found a new home for MN Vikings
Against the Cleveland Browns, both starting center Ryan Kelly and backup Michael Jurgens were on the shelf. That forced Blake Brandel into a start at the position for literally the first time in his career. Minnesota thinks they may have found something too.
Could Blake Brandel find a home at center after spending his NFL career at guard and tackle? Notable that Vikings OC Wes Phillips said: “The way Blake handled this game, I think we might be looking at a situation where this could be his best position of all five across the line.”
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 14, 2025
Brandel drew the start, his second of the season, and played all 65 offensive snaps at center in London. He had never previously played the position at any level, but it’s clear that the Vikings liked what they saw.
It remains to be seen how Minnesota will use Brandel with Jurgens expected to be back this week. He could go back into a backup role, or he could push the second-year player for starting reps.
The Vikings drafted Brandel as a tackle, and he has been used in that capacity behind both Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Last year he started all 17 games for Minnesota at left guard. With Will Fries signed and Donovan Jackson drafted, Brandel moved back to a depth role.
Although Brandel has never established himself as a high-level starter, he has consistently been a quality backup that can play multiple positions. If the Minnesota Vikings believe center is his best position after such limited time there, he may have pushed his utility even further.
The Vikings are set to host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday as they return to U.S. Bank Stadium for the first time in four weeks.
Mentioned in this article: Blake Brandel Michael Jurgens Ryan Kelly
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