Brandon

Fusco

This transaction saves the team $3,293,750 against the cap. Fusco joined the Falcons on a three-year, $12.75 million contract last year and started the team’s first seven regular season games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury against the Giants in Week 7. Atlanta was more than capable of moving on after inking James Carpenter, Jamon Brown and Adam Gettis in free agency, not to mention using the No. 14 overall pick on OG Chris Lindstrom. Fusco will likely battle for a reserve role in camp elsewhere.

Fusco went down in Monday night’s victory over the Giants. Fusco was not having a good year — he had graded out as one of Pro Football Focus’ worst guards — but it’s yet another season-ending loss for the most-injured team in football. Longtime Falcons reserve Ben Garland is the next man up. Now 30, Fusco is signed through 2020.

The Vikings coaches are “excited” about what they saw in Fusco’s 25 snaps in two fill-in appearances last season, but they’re not prepared to hand him the job without competition. The Vikes’ offensive line is a major question mark for the 2012 season after losing both starting guards.

Herrera continues to be plagued by injuries, missing four games and getting dominated up front in several more. Turning 32 in June, Herrera is due $2.75 million in salary and bonuses. The Vikes could turn to Brandon Fusco or move Charlie Johnson from tackle.

Vikings coaches liked what they saw of the 2011 sixth-rounder’s 25 snaps in two fill-in appearances as a rookie. Fusco will have to hold off Chris DeGeare and former Panthers starter Geoff Schwartz to keep the job.

“There is nothing that anyone else has done that could unseat him,” Frazier said. Fusco has essentially won the job by default. Veteran Geoff Schwartz missed the majority of camp due to sports hernia surgery, and DeMarcus Love has missed time with a pectoral injury. We expect the revamped O-Line to be much improved from last season.

If Schwartz needs surgery, he’ll be out 4-6 weeks, putting his status for Week 1 into jeopardy. The unfortunate injury likely locks Brandon Fusco into the starting job at right guard. Schwartz would return as a swing-type backup.

It’s a bit surprising after the Vikings gave Schwartz $1.5 million, but he missed all of 2011 with a hip injury, and can also play tackle. Fusco played only 26 snaps as a rookie. Schwartz remains the heavy favorite for the position.

Fusco was ruled out at halftime. The No. 6 guard in Pro Football Focus’ ratings, Fusco has started every game since the beginning of the 2012 season. A serious injury would be a major blow for the Vikings’ running attack.

He left on the first series and never returned. Zac Kerin took over at right guard once Fusco left, giving the Vikings three reserves on the offensive line with T.J. Clemmings at left tackle and Jeremiah Sirles at right tackle. The bye is coming at a good time for Minnesota.