Fonoti a Short-Term Fix?

The Vikings took a low-level risk Tuesday by trading for San Diego guard Toniu Fonoti, who could either be minimal draft-day gamble or a long-term answer for the Vikings.

The Vikings have been the subject of trade talks for several weeks. However, as the trading deadline came and went Tuesday, it wasn't Michael Bennett who was moved.

Instead, the Vikings made a move to bring a player in -- injured Chargers guard Toniu Fonoti -- a former second-round pick who had fallen out of favor in San Diego.

The Chargers and Fonoti had attempted to work out a long-term deal earlier this year, because Fonoti is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. When talks broke down, the focus turned to potentially trading him, but that was temporarily shelved when Fonoti suffered a broken hand.

As it stands, he won't be able to play this week, but could be the answer -- short-term or long-term -- to the problems the team has at guard. Thus far, it's been a revolving door with rookie Marcus Johnson, Adam Goldberg and Anthony Herrera at right guard.

The team expects Fonoti to possibly be ready for the Panthers game following the Packers this week. At that time, the team will reassess the position and see where he fits best.

WEDNESDAY NOTES
* To make room for Fonoti on the 53-man roster, the Vikings released defensive lineman Matt Mitrione.
* The Vikings released former Gopher defensive back Ukee Dozier Tuesday from the practice squad. They will look to add a defensive lineman to that spot.
* Nate Burleson is expected to return to practice today, but will likely be listed as questionable when the injury report comes out.