Few NFL teams can turn to their third-string center and survive a game against Myles Garrett, Maliek Collins, and arguably the most formidable pass rush in football.
In Week 5, the Minnesota Vikings pulled it off — with one of their reserve guards playing center for the first time in his career.
Blake Brandel, due to his positional versatility, was never a cut candidate during Vikings training camp this summer, but he was pushed down the depth chart with the addition of rookie left guard Donovan Jackson.
Brandel has been a valuable contributor to Minnesota’s offensive line since joining the team as a sixth-round draft pick in 2021.