Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell Clarifies Injury Status on Highest-Paid Guard

The Minnesota Vikings spent to protect second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy this offseason, and includes the team’s highest-paid guard, Will Fries.

Minnesota signed Fries to a five-year, $87.72 million deal this offseason. Unfortunately, Fries has been dealing with a tibia injury from last season, and he hasn’t practiced with the team yet.

“Yeah, he’s been — it’s almost hard to believe with how strong he is, some of the things you’re hearing about from what he’s doing in the weight room — but we’re being really smart with the injury that it was,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters on Wednesday regarding Fries. “And then once we’re able to kind of get him in and get a feel for that, you know, knowing how we handle the spring. I don’t know if we’ll see him fully active this spring.”

“But I have no hesitation to say that I’m really excited to see him when he’s able to get out there, more than likely, for training camp,” O’Connell added. “There’s still a chance we could see him in some bits and pieces of work over the next two weeks. But he’s in a good spot.”

Fries injured his tibia in Week 5 last year when he played for the Indianapolis Colts. The 6-foot-5 tackle has 31 career starts in four seasons.

McCarthy will need experienced blockers such as Fries as the 2024 No. 9 pick hasn’t played a regular season game yet due to his meniscus surgery last year.