Vikings sign Jake Long, former No. 1 overall pick

The Minnesota Vikings have signed Jake Long to fill major hole on the injury-riddled offensive line. Long was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, selected by the Miami Dolphins out of the University of Michigan.

Long spent 5 years in Miami, making the Pro Bowl in 4 of those seasons. In the final year of his contract with the Dolphins, Long suffered a torn biceps and a back injury. The remainder of his 9-year NFL career has included stints in St. Louis and Atlanta. A contract with the Baltimore Ravens fell through this season when Long refused to sign an injury waiver to cover concerns over his surgically-repaired knee.

The Vikings have placed offensive tackle Andre Smith on injured reserve with an elbow injury. Left tackle Matt Kalil was placed on injured reserve earlier this season.

Despite injuries to starters and reserves across the Vikings offensive line, the team is off to league-best 5-0 start this season.