Chris

DeGeare

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.

He’ll be placed on injured reserve Tuesday. FOX Sports’ Adam Caplan calls Ryan Cook a possibility to replace Herrera in the starting lineup, but rookie Chris DeGeare will also get a long look. DeGeare was inactive for Week 11.

DeGeare, a 335-pound mauler from Wake Forest, was a three-year starter for the Demon Deacons. A fit for Minnesota’s mostly power-blocking scheme, he could push Anthony Herrera for the Vikings’ starting right guard job in time.

It’s not clear at this point whether the veteran will need surgery or not. Although his ability as a run blocker has regressed, Hutchinson is still better than Chris DeGeare in that regard, and he remains an asset in pass blocking. DeGeare will fill in for the final two games of the season.

It will be the third straight game Hutch has missed. While his run blocking ability has declined, he’s still an asset in pass protection. Chris DeGeare will take the veteran’s place in the starting lineup, and constitutes a significant downgrade in talent from Hutchinson.

Impressive rookie Chris DeGeare is getting the start at right guard. Sullivan has been nursing a calf injury, but this change has a chance to stick. It would be good news for Adrian Peterson if it does, as Sullivan was pushed around by defensive tackles last season.

DeGeare is getting first-team reps at left guard when Steve Hutchinson rests, but his future is likely at right guard. Anthony Herrera’s run blocking is expected to pick up now that he’s fully healthy. If he struggles again, though, DeGeare could push him for the starting job.

Herrera isn’t yet fully comfortable off the snap, but he’d be a big upgrade from a power standpoint over John Sullivan in the middle. DeGeare, at a mauling 335 pounds, would be another size upgrade over Herrera (315). Adrian Peterson owners should hope this sticks. The Vikings’ run blocking has been less than spectacular with DeGeare on the bench this preseason.

Herrera is coming off surgeries to both his ACL and triceps, but the Vikings are desperate. Chris DeGeare and Ryan Cook have done nothing to establish themselves as starters. This Vikings’ offensive line remains a major area of concern.

A fifth-round pick last year, DeGeare started the Vikings’ final five games at right guard after Anthony Herrera suffered a torn ACL. He’ll again backup Herrera this season.