Ahead of the Vikings' 2023 preseason, we'll be taking a look at every player on the 90-man roster, counting down from 99 to 0 (excluding the UDFAs, who we've already profiled). For every player, we'll look at the best and worst-case scenarios and their realistic outlook for the upcoming season.
No. 62: Chris Reed, C/G
Age: 31 | Size: 6'5", 300
Last offseason, the Vikings signed Chris Reed and Jesse Davis to give themselves some veteran options who could compete for their open starting job at right guard. Then they drafted Ed Ingram in the second round and it quickly became clear that the job was his. Eventually, Davis was traded to the Steelers for a conditional seventh-rounder. Reed remained on the roster but didn't see any regular season action until Week 17.
Despite going undrafted out of Minnesota State in 2015, Reed has carved out a nice career for himself in the NFL. He spent four years with the Jaguars, then bounced around with the Dolphins, Panthers, and Colts before signing with the Vikings. During his seven seasons in the league, he has started 30 games and played over 2,300 offensive snaps, splitting time between all three interior OL positions.
Last year, Reed started at center for the Vikings in Weeks 17 and 18 when both Garrett Bradbury and Austin Schlottmann were hurt. Bradbury recovered in time to play in the postseason loss against the Giants. Reed was brought back this offseason and will look to make the roster against as an interior backup. He's currently on the Active/Non-Football Injury list with an ankle issue.
Best-case scenario: Reed makes the roster and is in the mix to see the field if an interior starter gets hurt (or in the case of Ed Ingram, underperforms).
Worst-case scenario: The Vikings decide to use the roster spot on a younger player.
Outlook for 2023: Reed has legitimately played pretty well in regular season action with the Vikings, Panthers, and Colts over the past few seasons. He'll likely make the 53-man group as an interior backup, but that's not a sure thing, especially with his current injury situation.
Previous Vikings player profiles
Danielle Hunter | D.J. Wonnum | Harrison Phillips | Ross Blacklock | Khyiris Tonga | Dean Lowry | Jonathan Bullard | James Lynch | Patrick Jones II | Esezi Otomewo | T.J. Hockenson | Johnny Mundt | Josh Oliver | Jalen Nailor | Vederian Lowe | Jaquelin Roy | Oli Udoh | Ezra Cleveland | Christian Darrisaw | Ed Ingram | Austin Schlottmann | Blake Brandel
UDFAs
Ivan Pace Jr. | Andre Carter II | Ben Sims | Jaylin Williams | C.J. Coldon | NaJee Thompson | Thayer Thomas | Cephus Johnson III | Malik Knowles | Calvin Avery | Jack Podlesny | Jacky Chen | Alan Ali | Wilson Huber | Abraham Beauplan | Garett Maag | Junior Aho | Lucky Jackson | Sam Schlueter | Zach Ojile
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