Rashod

Hill

The team released guard Beau Benzschwal and signed offensive tackle Alex Akingbulu. Hill started five games at left tackle for Minnesota last year. He will compete for a backup gig in camp.

There was hope Darrisaw, the No. 23 overall pick, would be active Sunday after the Vikings didn’t place him on IR to open the year. Darrisaw has been practicing on a limited basis the last three weeks but has yet to be cleared for full team drills. The Vikings will continue to start Rashod Hill, who held Cardinals LB Chandler Jones to no sacks in Week 2, at left tackle until Darrisaw returns.

Darrisaw, who’s recovering from January surgery, was also held out of Vikings’ OTAs. There’s no timetable on when he’ll practice, but the Vikings not placing Darrisaw on the active/NFI list suggests the team expects him to be cleared soon. SKOR North’s Judd Zulgad believes the Vikings won’t start Darrisaw in a regular season game without “being absolutely sure he’s ready.” Rashod Hill has repped with the first-team offense and could open the year at left tackle if Darrisaw isn’t ready for Week 1.

Hill’s entire contract is fully guaranteed. Initially plucked off Jacksonville’s practice squad as a UDFA in 2016, Hill has since made 59 appearances as a reserve swing tackle with the Vikings. He played 122 (11%) offensive snaps last year.

Hill had offers from other teams but will remain in Minnesota. He played a swing role with the Vikings last year, appearing in 15 games (one start) after being a eight-game starter in 2018. Hill could be an option at right tackle if the Vikings move Riley Reiff inside.

A restricted free agent, Hill was tendered at the original-round level. Hill should slot in as a swing option behind Riley Reiff and Brian O’Neill.

The tender is worth $2.025 million. Because Hill entered the league as an undrafted free agent, the Vikings will not get any compensation if he is signed away, but they do have the right to match any offer sheet. Hill has started 15 games the last two seasons, but he is better suited for a reserve role.

Hill was rolled up on from behind during a running play late in the third quarter. Second-round rookie Brian O’Neill took over at right tackle.

An UDFA out of Southern Miss, Hill was plucked off the Jaguars’ practice squad. We’d say he’s unlikely to see game action in Minnesota, but considering the sorry state of the Vikings’ offensive line, you can never say never.

Hill fell to one knee and was slow to get up prior to getting carted off. Brian O’Neill replaced him at left tackle for the remainder of practice. The hits keep coming for the Vikes, who are still waiting on C Pat Elflein (shoulder, active/PUP) to recover. The club also already lost C Nick Easton (neck) for the year. RG Mike Remmers returned Monday, but it remains to be seen how Minnesota will shuffle their line if Hill is out for an extended period.