On Tuesday, the Vikings sign guard Tiano Pupungatoa after released running back Roc Thomas.
Pupungatoa is a River Falls, Wisconsin native, which is about 42 minutes from Minneapolis.
For Pupungatoa, this is a huge opportunity, and he’s fully aware.
“It’s so surreal, just having everything work out the way it is and getting a chance to start training camp with (the Vikings),’’ Pupungatoa said via the Pioneer Press. “I feel like I’m on cloud nine. It’s just a dream come true just to get this opportunity. I have to take full advantage of it and get that 53-man spot.’’
It is significant, at least to me, that Pupungatoa has made it so vocal early to make the 53-man roster.
Luckily for Pupungatoa, he’s joining an offensive line that has plenty of improvement to be made from 2018. Josh Kline and Pat Elflein will be the starters at guard, but after that, there’s probably a spot or two up for grabs. We’ll see if Pupungatoa can get it.
