Offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz is battling for the Minnesota Vikings starting right guard job at organized team activities this week. After having hip surgery in August, he signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with Minnesota in March.
The job will go to either Schwartz or Brandon Fusco, via 1500 ESPN's Tom Pelissero. Fusco was taken with a sixth-round pick in the 2011 draft and has taken most of the first-team reps. Schwartz, though, has the edge in experience, having started 19 games with the Carolina Panthers before his injury.
Schwartz says he feels comfortable in Minnesota, as Vikings offensive line coach Jeff Davidson was with him in Carolina as the offensive coordinator:
"It's very similar to when Jeff was doing it (in Carolina) as the O.C.," Schwartz said of the Vikings' blocking schemes. "I really like the concepts and it's stuff I do well."
Mandatory team minicamp begins next week.
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