The Minnesota Vikings have activated Canadian offensive lineman Brett Jones from the practice squad.
St. Paul Pioneer Press reporter Chris Tomasson first reported the news.
Vikings to sign center Brett Jones off practice squad to take Pat Elflein’s spot on roster after Elflein suffered torn ligament in thumb. Dru Samia has been working at first-team right guard and is expected to start Sunday in Elflein’s spot.
Source said Vikings guard Pat Elflein suffered his torn ligament in his thumb in practice Wednesday. He will have surgery on it, so it certainly sounds longer than being out three weeks, which is the minimum for injured reserve.
Source said that even before Brett Jones committed to sign with the Vikings 53-man roster that they could have lost him off the practice squad. Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Seattle were all looking at the possibility of signing Jones, who plays both center and guard.
Jones suited up in two games last season and started three contests at centre in 2018 for Minnesota. The six-foot-two, 312-pounder has played in 46 career NFL games through four seasons, starting 17. The 29-year-old has earned over $5.3 million through his NFL career so far.
The Weyburn, Sask. native played for the University of Regina where he was an All-Canadian offensive lineman for the Rams. The Calgary Stampeders selected Jones in the second round, 16th overall during the 2013 CFL draft.
After winning the Most Outstanding Rookie and Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman awards in successive CFL campaigns — 2013 and 2014 — Jones inked his initial NFL contract with the New York Giants. The Vikings acquired Jones in a trade during August 2018 with New York in exchange for a 2019 NFL draft pick.
Jones provides a veteran presence for Minnesota who can play guard or centre along the offensive front.
