Brian O'Neill Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Vikings vs Packers game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 2, 2025
Cleared to play Sunday
O'Neill (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Lions.
ANALYSIS
Despite being listed as questionable, O'Neill was expected to suit up after logging a full practice Friday. However, his effectiveness may be in question. He's been dealing with a knee issue since late September, missing two contests, including last Thursday's blowout loss to the Chargers.
Nov 2, 2025
Expected to return Sunday
O'Neill, who is questionable to play against the Lions on Sunday due to a knee injury, is likely to suit up, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill has been dealing with a knee issue since late September. He's sat out two contests due to the issue, including last Thursday's game against the Chargers, but it appears he'll be back to play against Detroit on Sunday. O'Neill should take on his usual starting role at right tackle.
Oct 31, 2025
Iffy for Week 9
O'Neill (knee) is listed as questionable questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Lions.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill was out for Minnesota's Week 8 loss to the Chargers and has been dealing with a knee sprain since Week 4. He turned in a pair of limited practices to begin the current week and a full session Friday, leading coach Kevin O'Connell to express optimism that O'Neill will return in Week 9 for a pivotal divisional matchup, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com.
Oct 29, 2025
Limited to begin prep for Week 9
O'Neill (knee) logged a limited practice session Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill missed Thursday's loss to the Chargers due to a knee injury. It's unclear whether he'll be able to return for a pivotal Week 9 matchup against Detroit, but his return to practice in any capacity is a positive step.
Oct 23, 2025
Won't play against Chargers
O'Neill (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill played every snap during the Vikings' Week 7 loss to the Eagles, but a lingering MCL sprain will keep him out of Thursday night's road game. Justin Skule will likely start at right tackle in O'Neill's absence. O'Neill's next opportunity to play is Week 9 against the Lions on Sunday, Nov. 2.
Oct 19, 2025
Good to go against Philadelphia
O'Neill (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Eagles.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill missed one game due to an MCL sprain that he sustained in Week 4 against the Steelers. He has been cleared to return and start at right tackle in Week 7, and the veteran offensive lineman is expected to play with a brace on his knee, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
Oct 17, 2025
Could return in Week 7
O'Neill (knee) is considered questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Eagles, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill was considered week-to-week with an MCL sprain that he suffered in Week 4, though he's only missed one game thanks to a bye in Week 6. He practiced in limited fashion throughout the week, so he appears to be truly questionable ahead of Minnesota's showdown with the Eagles.
Sep 30, 2025
Week-to-week with MCL sprain
Head coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday that O'Neill is considered week-to-week due to an MCL sprain that he suffered during the Vikings' Week 4 loss to the Steelers, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill suffered the injury in the first quarter and was unable to return. He isn't set to go on injured reserve but won't play in the Vikings' Week 5 bout against the Browns on Sunday in London, England, and he'll have his injury re-evaluated following the Week 6 bye. Justin Skule is expected to start at right tackle for as long as O'Neill is sidelined.
Sep 29, 2025
Dealing with MCL injury
O'Neill (knee) suffered a sprained MCL in Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Steelers, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill sustained a knee injury in the first quarter, ultimately failing to return to action in Week 4. After an MRI, it was determined to be a sprained MCL, and the offensive lineman could be set to miss some time moving forward. If O'Neill is sidelined for any game action, Justin Skule would be the top candidate to start in his place at right tackle.
Sep 28, 2025
Undergoing MRI on knee
Head coach Kevin O'Connell relayed after Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Steelers that O'Neill will have an MRI on his knee, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill was unable to return to Sunday's game after suffering a knee injury in the first quarter. He'll undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury, and the results of those tests will provide clarity on his chances of playing against the Browns on Sunday, Oct. 5. Justin Skule would likely start at right tackle if O'Neill is unable to play Week 5.
Sep 28, 2025
Won't return vs. Pittsburgh
O'Neill (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's game against the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill injured his knee in the first quarter, which is severe enough that he will not return Sunday. Justin Skule will remain at right tackle the rest of the way due to O'Neill's injury.
Sep 28, 2025
Leaves with knee injury
O'Neill is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Steelers in Dublin due to a knee injury.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill sustained the injury midway through the first quarter on the Vikings' successful 41-yard field-goal attempt on their opening drive. Justin Skule stepped in at right tackle in place of O'Neill on the Vikings' subsequent possession.
Jun 4, 2025
Healthy at OTAs
O'Neill (concussion) has been participating at Vikings' OTAs this week.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill left the Vikings' wild-card loss to the Rams with a concussion back in January. He's healthy and ready for a normal offseason.
Jan 13, 2025
Departs Monday for concussion check
O'Neill is being evaluated for a concussion and has been deemed questionable to return to Monday's wild-card matchup against the Rams, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill departed in the fourth quarter, so there's not much time for him to return to the contest. David Quessenberry has entered at right tackle in O'Neill's stead.
Dec 20, 2024
Good to go for Week 16
O'Neill (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Seahawks and is expected to play.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill was banged up in last Monday night's win over the Bears but is good to go for Week 16 versus Seattle.
Dec 17, 2024
Expected to be available Week 16
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday that O'Neill (knee) is "sore" after Monday's 30-12 win over the Bears, but that he's trending in the right direction to play Sunday at Seattle, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Connell said O'Neill "should be able to work through the week" en route to Sunday's road matchup against the Seahawks. The starting right tackle was forced out of the first half of Monday's divisional win, but he managed to return after Minnesota's first series of the second half with a brace on his knee, Dave Mitzutani of the Twin Cities Pioneer Press reports.
May 31, 2024
Practicing during OTAs
O'Neill (foot) took part in practice Friday, Craig Peters of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill played in only one of Minnesota's final four games last season with what was eventually disclosed as a small fracture in his left foot. He appears to be back to full health and is slated to work as the Vikings' starting right tackle for the 2024 campaign.
Mar 7, 2024
Recovering from foot fracture
O'Neill disclosed Jan. 8 at the end of the regular season that he had been playing through a small fracture in his left foot before sitting out three of the Vikings' final four games, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Kevin O'Connell had previously said that O'Neill was managing a left ankle sprain when the left tackle initially sustained the injury in a Dec. 10 win over the Raiders. Though O'Neill had previously dealt with a partially torn Achilles' tendon during the 2022 season, he noted that the foot fracture is a far more painful injury. He'll continue to recover from the injury over the next few months, but he should enter training camp with no restrictions, if he's not cleared for OTAs before then.
Jan 5, 2024
Out for Week 18
O'Neill (ankle) is out for Sunday's game against the Lions, Matthew Coller of Purple Insider reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill practiced fully Wednesday, but the veteran right tackle will miss his third game in the last four weeks. O'Neill returned last week but lasted just two offensive snaps before getting hurt again. David Quessenberry will likely make another start.
Dec 27, 2023
Deemed full participant Wednesday
The Vikings estimated O'Neill (ankle) as a full participant at Wednesday's practice walk-through.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill has missed Minnesota's past two contests due to an ankle injury, but he appears set to play Sunday versus Green Bay. His expected return will likely push David Quessenberry back to a depth role.
Dec 24, 2023
Not ready for return
O'Neill (ankle) is inactive Sunday against the Lions.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill started the week with back-to-back DNPs, but he was able to close out the week with a limited practice, creating some hope he'd be able to suit up. However, the Pittsburgh product will miss a second consecutive game. David Quessenberry will likely draw the start at right tackle.
Dec 22, 2023
Could return Week 16
O'Neil (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Lions.
ANALYSIS
The veteran offensive lineman could be trending in the right direction to play Sunday, as he's gone from opening Minnesota's week of practice with back-to-back DNPs to logging a limited session Friday. If O'Neil is unable to suit up in Week 16, David Quessenberry would likely get the nod at right tackle.
Dec 14, 2023
Ruled out for Saturday
O'Neill (ankle) will not play Saturday against the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill suffered the injury in Week 14 against the Raiders and was unable to return to the game. David Quessenbrry will likely draw the start at right tackle in his place.
Dec 10, 2023
Won't return against Las Vegas
O'Neill (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Raiders, Alec Lewis of The Athleticreports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill left the field with the assistance of trainers and will not return to the game. David Quessenberry has taken over for O'Neill at right tackle.
Dec 10, 2023
Heads to medical tent
O'Neill has exited Sunday's game against the Raiders with an ankle injury, Lindsey Young of the Vikings' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill needed the help of trainers to make his way off the field and walked gingerly while doing so. He ultimately went to the medical tent to be checked on and is now considered questionable to return. David Quessenberry will likely take over at right tackle while O'Neill is out of the game.
Aug 13, 2023
Returns to team drills
O'Neill (Achilles) participated in team drills Sunday for the first time during training camp, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
ANALYSIS
The right tackle tore his Achilles late in the 2022 campaign but managed to stay off the active/PUP list to begin training camp. O'Neill made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and has started 75 of 79 games in five seasons. He was able to work on his own at the start of training camp and has progressed to full practice. It looks like he'll be ready for the regular season but the Vikings are likely going to keep him out of any preseason games.
Aug 2, 2023
Able to practice Wednesday
O'Neill (Achilles) played with the first-team offense during a walkthrough, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The right tackle tore his achilles late in the 2022 campaign but managed to stay off the active/PUP list to begin training camp. O'Neill made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and has started 75 of 79 games in five seasons. The 6-foot-7, 310-pound lineman should be able to hold down his spot if he's available by Week 1.
Jul 25, 2023
Won't go on PUP for camp
O'Neill (Achilles) will not be placed on the PUP list to begin training camp, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill suffered a torn Achilles late last season, so it's encouraging to see him avoid the PUP list even if he won't be a full participant. Lewis reports that the Vikings have a day-to-day plan for O'Neill's rehab. The starting right tackle appears to have a chance to be available Week 1, barring any setbacks.
Mar 9, 2023
Will be ready for camp
O'Neill (Achilles) will be ready for training camp, head coach Kevin O'Connell said Thursday, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill suffered a partially torn Achilles late last season, which required surgery. He is no longer using a walking boot and appears to be on pace to start the season healthy, where he should continue to start at right tackle for the Vikings.
Jan 4, 2023
Sustains partially torn Achilles
O'Neill suffered a partially torn Achilles against the Packers last Sunday, and he won't return again this season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
After being placed on injured reserve Tuesday with what was originally determined to be a calf issue, O'Neill's injury has since been identified as a season-ending partially torn Achilles. Oli Udoh will now command Minnesota's starting right tackle duties in Week 18 and into the 2023 postseason.
Jan 3, 2023
Shifts to injured reserve
The Vikings placed O'Neill (calf) on injured reserve Tuesday, Carmen Vitali of Fox Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
After already being ruled out for Week 18 due to the calf injury he suffered Sunday versus Green Bay, Minnesota has since placed O'Neill on injured reserve where he'll miss at least the next four contests. With the Super Bowl accounting for the 310-pounder's earliest possible return date, Oli Udoh is currently in line to serve as Minnesota's starting right tackle until then.
Jan 2, 2023
May have significant injury
O'Neill (calf) won't play Sunday against the Bears, according to head coach Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Chris Tomasson reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill's injury, which was suffered in Sunday's loss to the Packers, was called "significant" by O'Connell. With a playoff spot secured, his absence Sunday in Chicago may not matter much, but any potential missed time in the playoffs could. When O'Neill exited Week 17, Oli Udoh took over at right tackle, and he'd be the likely candidate to start there Week 18.
Jan 1, 2023
Will not return
O'Neill has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Packers due to a calf injury.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill's absence will certainly be a blow to the Vikings offensive line, which is already dealing with multiple injuries. Including Austin Schlottmann (ankle), who has already been forced out and was starting at center for Garrett Bradbury (back), who was inactive. Oli Udoh will now take over at right tackle.
Jan 5, 2022
Clears COVID protocols
O'Neill was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill only had to stay in protocols for two days. Now cleared to play, O'Neill should start at right tackle Sunday against the Bears.
Jan 3, 2022
Placed on COVID-19 list
Darrisaw (illness) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official site reports, as a result of testing positive for the virus, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill joins fellow starting offensive lineman, Christian Darrisaw and Ezra Cleveland in COVID protocols. If O'Neill is unable to get clearance in time for Sunday against the Bears, Blake Brandel would likely draw the start at right tackle.
Sep 8, 2021
Signs five-year extension
The Vikings gave O'Neill a five-year, $92.5 million extension Wednesday, making him the second-highest paid right tackle behind Ryan Ramczyk, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Vikings and has appeared in at least 16 games every year since. The 25-year-old gets a huge pay day before the 2021 campaign and will look to continue his excellent track record of staying on the field.
Dec 16, 2020
Fine moving forward
O'Neill (eye) was absent from Wednesday's injury report.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill exited this past Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers with an eye injury, but he'll return to action this week against the Bears. The 2018 second-round pick is slated to resume his typical duties at right tackle.
Dec 13, 2020
Coping with eye injury
O'Neill (eye) is questionable to return to Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill's absence leaves Rashod Hill as the fill-in option at right tackle, a questionable proposition for Minnesota's sake given the matchup against Tampa Bay's powerful front seven. The 25-year-old had proven to be incredibly durable coming into Sunday, refusing to miss a single offensive snap over the first 13 weeks of the season.
Jul 1, 2020
Returning as starter
O'Neill (concussion) is set to retain his starting spot at right tackle for the Vikings in 2020, Eric Smith of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill started all 15 games he appeared in last season, though he did exit the playoff loss to the 49ers to be evaluated for a concussion. The 2018 second-round pick has started 26 of 30 games through his first two seasons and should continue protecting Kirk Cousins' frontside in 2020.
Jan 11, 2020
Leaves with possible concussion
O'Neill exited Saturday's divisional-round loss to the 49ers to be evaluated or a concussion.
ANALYSIS
O'Neill suffered the potential concussion when he was hit by an illegal blindside block following an interception and didn't return to the game.
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