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Ed Ingram is definitely in danger of losing his job

A picture from June 6, 2024, Day 3 of the Offseason Mini Camp at TCOPC in Eagan, MN.Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings played away against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday in the second week of NFL preseason play. With JJ McCarthy now on the injured list and Sam Darnold sitting on the sidelines in bubble wrap, it was a rather dull afternoon at the Dogpound.

Still, there were some notable events throughout the game. For example, we saw another chapter in the battle for right guard. Incumbent starter Ed Ingram was still on the field in the 2nd quarter. By that point, the rest of the offensive line had long since positioned themselves on the sidelines, chewing sunflower seeds and drinking Gatorade.

Ed Ingram is still fighting to get his job back

What does this mean for the 2022 second-round pick? Well, it's more of what we saw last weekend. And in the nonverbal coaching language of the NFL preseason, the fact that Ingram stayed in the game this long is a clear sign to anyone paying attention, including Ed Ingram, that the RG1 spot is still up for grabs.

Unfortunately, Ingram's inability to secure a job he held for two consecutive seasons wasn't the saddest part of his day today with the Minnesota Vikings' second team.

There were several situations against the Browns' second unit where the 2022 second-round draft pick didn't do his job. And when an offensive lineman messes up on the interior, it's usually really bad news for his team's game. That was indeed the case on Saturday.

Last season, Ed Ingram finished with mediocre grades at Pro Football Focus at best. His overall grade of 59.5 placed him second to last among the Vikings' five starting OLs in 2023. Dalton Risner was the only starter who was worse. His pass blocking grade of 60.9 was also second to last. Only Garrett Bradbury was worse in this regard.

The Minnesota Vikings offensive line is still a problem

In other words, the Minnesota Vikings need more from their offensive line inside. That's why Blake Brandel has taken over the starting left guard spot from Garrett Bradbury. Speaking of the former first-round center out of North Carolina State, his job is certainly not in jeopardy.

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Bradbury, 29, wasn't the Pro Bowler Minnesota hoped for when they drafted him No. 18 in 2019. But the Vikings aren't looking to replace the 5-year NFL veteran. Instead, head coach Kevin O'Connell has given Garrett more pre-snap duties.

Kirk Cousins ​​is no longer in charge, meaning Bradbury is tasked with helping Sam Darnold and the rest of the offense find their best possible formation and plays before the ball is snapped.

Ingram has one thing on his side…

There is one thing that goes in Ed Ingram's favor when it comes to keeping his RG1 job. The Minnesota Vikings don't seem to have any better options. It's clear that KOC doesn't trust Dalton Risner to switch sides and seamlessly take over as the lead.

That's why he had to sign a veteran-like contract to get back on the roster. The Vikings like 2022 undrafted free agent Tyrese Robinson, but asking a guy who didn't have a job in football just 1.5 years ago to fill the right guard position is probably not something Minnesota would be happy to do.

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But training camp cuts are coming soon, so it's not just the guards on this roster that Ed Ingram has to worry about. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will no doubt be working the phones over the next few weeks to see if he can make an improvement at RG.

Mentioned in this article:Ed Ingram NFL Preseason

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