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Can Phil Loadholt Regain Zimmer’s Confidence?

By Paul Bellesen

Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Phil Loadholt (71) blocks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Minnesota Vikings defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings tackle Phil Loadholt (71) blocks against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Minnesota Vikings defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the Minnesota Vikings first OTA session has ended, the coaching staff got their first look at returning right tackle Phil Loadholt. Will he make it to the final roster?

After tearing his Achilles tendon in last year’s first preseason game, Phil Loadholt has been working to get back to his starting spot of right tackle. Along with other injuries on the line, John Sullivan having another back injury, and rookies being thrust into playing with little experience, the Vikings offensive line play was one of the league’s worst last season.

After the season, the additions of Alex Boone, left guard, and Andre Smith, right tackle, were made in free agency to create competition across the line. Tony Sparano was also brought in to replace Jeff Davidson as the offensive line coach. Sparano has been known to have some tough and gritty offensive lines over the years. The Vikings front office is doing all that it can to make sure that are protecting their young quarterback.

There will be a lot of questions over the next couple months to whether Loadholt and Sullivan can come back to their previous form. Both players on the wrong side of 30, and after having multiple injuries, this will be an uphill battle.

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At the recent team OTAs head coach Mike Zimmer was asked about both of his offensive line starters coming off injury and how they were doing.

"Sullivan has actually looked really good. He has worked real hard in the weight room this offseason and he has kind of changed body composition and he’s moving real well. Get the pads on in training camp and we’ll let him fight it out.Loadholt is doing well. He has been making it through everything. Everything is new for him and basically getting back into it from missing two years. He is doing good."

One could read into those comments a little too much, but it seemed like Zimmer had much more confidence in Sullivan than he did in Loadholt. Saying that Sully looked really good and he is moving real well, but when asked about Loadholt he mentions that he is making it through.

Reports from the team’s first OTA also said that second year defensive end Danielle Hunter was blowing past Loadholt on multiple plays in a row. After missing that much time, and his replacement signed in free agency, Loadholt looks to be one of the players who could be cut by the end of training camp.

Next: Can Adrian Win Another Rushing Title?

This offseason there will be multiple talented players cut. That is what happens when you have a uber talented roster and not many holes to fill. This is a good problem to have. Hopefully Sparano can put together the best line combination and we can see Bridgewater upright this season.

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