Minnesota Vikings Expect RT Brian O'Neill Back for Training Camp

The Minnesota Vikings should have their prized right tackle back in place well before the 2023 regular season kicks off. According to head coach Kevin O'Connell, O'Neill is out of his walking boot and is expected to be ready by training camp.

Brian O'Neill is out of the walking boot on his right leg, in which he suffered a partially torn Achilles and calf injury, and is expected to be ready by training camp, per Kevin O'Connell. O'Neill has been rehabbing at TCO this offseason.
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) March 9, 2023

O'Neill suffered a partially torn Achilles and a calf injury in Week 17 of the 2022 season in a 41-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He missed the regular season finale and the Vikings' 31-24 playoff loss to the New York Giants.

O'Neill is a one-time Pro Bowler and has earned consistently high grades from Pro Football Focus. The Vikings made him one of the league's highest-paid offensive linemen in 2021, signing him to a five-year, $92.5 million extension. He's been a huge part of a consistently effective offensive line that has allowed stars Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson to flourish.

Given that O'Neill's injury occurred so late in the season and featured the words "torn" and "Achilles," his recovery is excellent news. If he can pick up where he left off in Week 1, the Vikings will have a very realistic chance to win the NFC North again in 2023. Whether they can go any further than they did this year will depend on how much the team can improve elsewhere.