The eighth-year veteran was sidelined with back injuries in training camp, which would later require back surgeries and meant he would land on the Vikings injured reserve.
Next up on the depth chart was Joe Berger, a natural guard, entering his third season in the league.
Berger went on to exceed expectations and lead the way for the NFL’s leading rusher Adrian Peterson.
Pro Football Focus previously nominated Berger as the top center in league and now the website has named him the 2015 John Hannah Award honoree as the best run blocker in the NFL.