The Minnesota Vikings have shuffled their roster ahead of their Week 5 international tilt against the Cleveland Browns, adding offensive lineman Matt Waletzko. However, it cost them a versatile veteran player they hold in high regard.
Navigating several injuries along their offensive line, the Vikings have tabbed the former Dallas Cowboys draft pick, Waletzko. He is a Cold Spring, Minnesota native.
He joins the Vikings’ practice squad, forcing a veteran’s exit.
Vikings Add Former Cowboys Draft Pick Matt Waletzko
GettyMatt Waletzko #79 of the Dallas Cowboys pass protects against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Waletzko joins a Vikings squad that is dealing with injury concerns at center with Ryan Kelly, which may be long-term, left guard, and right tackle. The latter is most pertinent to the team’s latest move.
Waletzko was the No. 155 overall pick by the Cowboys in 2022.
“The #Vikings have signed T Matt Waletzko to the practice squad and released WR Tim Jones from the practice squad,” the Vikings announced in a post on X on September 30.
Vikings starting right tackle Brian O’Neill is sidelined with a sprained MCL.
“The MRI has confirmed that #Vikings RT Brian O’Neill sprained his MCL on Sunday, taking him off the field,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on September 30. “He’s week-to-week, but no surgery is required.”
Waletzko is towering, listed at 6-foot-8 and 305 pounds. He has played in 11 regular-season games across his three years in the NFL. He has yet to start a game.
As a member of the practice squad, Waletzko is merely a depth addition to the Vikings’ roster.
Tim Jones Getting Yo-Yo’ed by Vikings
GettyJ.J. McCarthy #9 and Tim Jones #14 of the Minnesota Vikings react while playing against the Chicago Bears.
Waletzko pushed Jones off the roster, marking less than one week since the Vikings’ last transaction involving the former Jacksonville Jaguars undrafted free agent.
Jones, a special teams “ace,” signed with the Vikings in March, but was sent to the practice squad at the end of the preseason. He was elevated to the active roster earlier in September. The Vikings cut Jones on September 23, and then added him back to the practice squad the next day.
The 27-year-old playmaker saw action in two games for the Vikings this regular season.
His release is a blow to their special teams units, where he logged 25 of his 31 snaps this season, per Pro Football Reference.
With a receiver room that features Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Adam Thielen, Jalen Nailor, rookie third-round pick Tai Felton, and 2025 undrafted free agent Myles Price, Jones was a luxury on the Vikings’ roster.
Vikings Facing Uncertainty on Offense
GettyMinnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on against the Chicago Bears.
The injuries to Kelly, O’Neill, and LG Donovan Jackson are just the start of the issues for the Vikings and head coach Kevin O’COnnell, and why Waletzko is with the franchise. They are also without 2024 sixth-round selection and offensive tackle Walter Rouse.
Then there are their questions at quarterback, where Carson Wentz has been efficient, but the Vikings followed an impressive debut for the veteran with a difficult loss.
Wentz’s performances as QB1 could significantly impact how the Vikings handle J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy is sidelined with an ankle injury, but he is expected to run the Vikings’ scout team this week in London ahead of facing the Browns. The Vikings were moved enough by O’Neill’s injury to add Waletzko. Perhaps they will take even more precautions with McCarthy amid their plight.
After the Browns, the Vikings go on bye. That could allow their injured players to get healthy. Their Week 7 matchup is against the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
