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Vikings | Justin Jefferson avoids long-term injury, has chance to play Week 4 Mon Sep 28, 03:32 PM
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson avoided a long-term injury after spraining his ankle in Sunday's win over the Buccaneers, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Monday. Jefferson has a chance to play in Week 4 against the Dolphins.
| Footballguys view: This would be a best-case outcome. And considering Jefferson attempted to re-enter the game before finally returning to the locker room, SI.com believes there's plenty of reason for optimism regarding his availability in a favorable matchup against Miami. The Dolphins' defense ranks 19th in pass defense and 26th in passing touchdowns allowed, presenting a potential must-start case for Jefferson if he returns, along with several other stars on Minnesota's offense. Jordan Addison will be ready to play a greater role if need be, but we'll be following Jefferson's progress all week. |
Justin Jefferson player page
Vikings TE Josh Oliver is believed to have a torn biceps after leaving Sunday's win over the Buccaneers, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported. Oliver will have an MRI on Monday to confirm the diagnosis and would be out indefinitely if testing shows a tear.
| Footballguys view: Oliver played more than half the team's offensive snaps during the 3-0 start and had three catches for 46 yards in the first two games, with no catches in Tampa. TE T.J. Hockenson is the lead tight end, and Gavin Bartholomew is the only other tight end on the 53-man roster. |
T.J. Hockenson player page
Josh Oliver player page
Gavin Bartholomew player page
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson left Sunday's win over the Buccaneers in the first quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said after the game that Jefferson "got close" to returning before being ruled out, and that he will be evaluated further on Monday.
| Footballguys view: NBC's Mike Florio reported that an MRI will be part of that evaluation and that the Vikings hope Jefferson is dealing with a low-ankle injury. Jefferson had two catches for 32 yards before exiting and has 13 catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns on the season. |
Justin Jefferson player page
Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson was ruled out of Sunday's 23-16 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after suffering a first-quarter injury to his left ankle.
| Footballguys view: We should expect Jefferson to miss Week 4 against Miami at a minimum, and a multi-week absence is possible. The Vikings have a bye in Week 6, so Jefferson could get three weeks and only miss two games in a best-case scenario. In his absence, the Vikings shifted their offensive focus to No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison, who finished with five catches for 90 yards. Jauan Jennings and Tai Felton were the Vikings' other receivers when they used three-receiver sets, but they had just one reception between them. Minnesota plays the Dolphins in Week 4. |
Justin Jefferson player page
Minnesota Vikings WR Jordan Addison caught 5 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown on 9 targets in Sunday's 23-16 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was projected for 6.8 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 17.5.
Link to storyJordan Addison player page
Vikings RB Aaron Jones (knee) has no game designation and is set to play Sunday against the Buccaneers.
Link to storyAaron Jones Sr. player page
Vikings QB Kyler Murray spoke to reporters for the first time since suffering a concussion in Week 1. Murray is expected to get a more prolonged look in head coach Kevin O'Connell's offense when Minnesota plays at Tampa Bay on Sunday.
| Footballguys view: Murray only played 11 snaps in Week 1 before getting concussed. He missed Week 2, but Carson Wentz kept the team's record unblemished with a win over the Bears. Now, Murray takes over an undefeated team that wants to stay on the winning track. With the weapons around him, Murray could post high-end QB2 (low-end QB1) numbers in Week 3 against the Buccaneers. |
Kyler Murray player page
Vikings RB Aaron Jones (knee) was back on the practice field after previously missing practice. LB Jake Golday also returned to the field, while RT Brian O'Neill and DL Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins returned to full participation. Brett Thorson was the only Minnesota player listed as a DNP.
| Footballguys view: Jones tweaked his knee against the Bears in Week 2, and he had to miss Wednesday's practice. He's out there on Thursday, and Jones is trending towards playing against the Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. We've got Jones in the RB3/flex range in this matchup. |
Aaron Jones Sr. player page
Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com reports that Vikings RB Aaron Jones, who wore a brace after Sunday's win over the Bears, missed practice on Monday with a knee injury. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said, "He feels great. He's bouncing around the building like normal, but it's more so the knee. Just allowing that thing to turn over. He feels pretty good. We'll just keep getting treatment around the clock and see if we can pick up his workload as the week goes on." O'Connell said the team will monitor Jones over the next few days before deciding on his status for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. With RB Jordan Mason on injured reserve and RB DeeJay Dallas limited by a toe injury, rookie RB Demond Claiborne is the only healthy running back on Minnesota's active roster.
| Footballguys view: Jones rushed 23 times for 105 yards in the Vikings' Week 2 win over the Bears, but per O'Connell, the veteran back was "pretty sore" after the victory. Missing practice on Monday is not completely indicative of his playing status in Week 3. However, it's not a great start to the week, and his status could be on the wrong side of questionable. DeeJay Dallas and Demond Claiborne could do more if Jones is limited or has to miss time. |
Aaron Jones Sr. player page
DeeJay Dallas player page
Jordan Mason player page
Demond Claiborne player page
Kyler Murray is set to return to the starting lineup. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters in his Monday press conference that Murray has cleared concussion protocol and is on schedule to play in the team's matchup with the Buccaneers. "Kyler has cleared the final phase of the protocol," O'Connell said. "He's doing great, he'll be cleared, and he will start this week against Tampa Bay."
| Footballguys view: Murray went down early in the Week 1 win over the Packers when he was hit while trying to slide on a scramble. He departed that contest having completed 3-of-5 passes for 18 yards with an interception. Carson Wentz replaced Murray for the last two weeks. He was 11-of-20 for 143 yards in Sunday's victory over the Bears. O'Connell praised how steady Wentz has been as a backup. The Buccaneers, coming off a loss to the Browns, should offer a favorable matchup for Murray and the passing attack. |
Kyler Murray player page
Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones ran 23 times for 105 yards in Sunday's 9-3 win over the Chicago Bears. He was projected for 12.6 fantasy points (half-PPR) and finished with 10.5.
| Footballguys view: The Vikings chose to ride Jones and used Deejay Dallas and Demond Claiborne sparingly in the poor weather at Soldier Field. The Bears' run defense is going to be a good matchup to pick on going forward, but this is also a good argument to start Jones next week as an RB2/Flex at Tampa. Jones did miss some time in this game with a knee issue. Don't be surprised if there are practice limitations. |
Aaron Jones Sr. player page
Yahoo Sports reports that Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy has been demoted to third string on Minnesota's depth chart.
| Footballguys view: The move comes after maturity and accuracy issues led the Vikings to sign QB Kyler Murray to be their starter. The report states that McCarthy's 'immaturity' problem has stunned the Vikings staff. |
Kyler Murray player page
J.J. McCarthy player page
The Vikings ruled out QB Kyler Murray for Sunday's game against the Bears. Carson Wentz will start in Murray's absence.
| Footballguys view: No major surprise here as Murray has been unable to log a full practice this week after exiting last week's game early with a concussion. Murray is expected to regain his role as the team's starting quarterback once he's able, but Carson Wentz will start in Week 2 against the Bears. Wentz has proven more than capable of getting the ball to Justin Jefferson, and he should be viewed as an elite WR1 in this matchup. Jordan Addison is a deep flex play, and T.J. Hockenson is in the streaming discussion. Regarding Wentz, he's only on the radar in two-quarterback and superflex leagues. |
Carson Wentz player page
Kyler Murray player page
Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk reports that Vikings QB Kyler Murray was limited for the second straight day in Thursday's practice as he continues working through the concussion protocol after being knocked out of last Sunday's win over the Packers. The next update on Murray's status will come Friday, and if he is not cleared to face the Bears, QB Carson Wentz is in line to start after going 12-of-19 for 133 yards and three touchdowns in relief last week. WR Jauan Jennings (personal) and RT Brian O'Neill (knee) did not practice Thursday, while LB Andrew Van Ginkel (chest) was limited again and LB Blake Cashman (wrist) was upgraded to full participation.
| Footballguys view: Carson Wentz took over for Murray in Week 1, and he ran the Vikings' offense efficiently. If Murray has to miss the game against the Bears on Sunday, Wentz could give Fantasy GMs QB2/streaming production. Let's see if Murray clears the concussion protocol with an update on Friday. |
Kyler Murray player page
Vikings have placed RB Jordan Mason (thumb) on injured reserve and signed RB DeeJay Dallas to their 53-man roster.
| Footballguys view: Well, it's more than just a "sore thumb" for Mason. He will be eligible to return after a four-game absence (with a bye in Week 6, that means Mason could return in Week 7). Mason rushed 15 times for 59 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings' Week 1 win over the Packers. We'll see Aaron Jones perhaps get more work with Mason out, and Dallas is a veteran with experience who could get some touches as well. |
Jordan Mason player page
Coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed that Kyler Murray is in the concussion protocol and said that the quarterback came in feeling "pretty good" on Monday. O'Connell said that the team will take it "a day at a time" with the medical staff as Murray recovers and progresses through the protocol.
| Footballguys view: Carson Wentz replaced Murray and led the Vikings to a comeback win over the Packers on Sunday. He would be in line to start if Murray does not clear the protocol in time to face the Bears in Week 2. More updates on Murray's status will come once the team resumes practicing this week, but the nature of the injury and the protocol means there's a good chance Wentz is under center on September 20. |
Carson Wentz player page
Kyler Murray player page
Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said that RB Jordan Mason came into the building today with a sore thumb, and they're evaluating that.
| Footballguys view: As Pro Football Focus' Nathan Jahnke notes, Mason received nearly as much playing time as Aaron Jones Sr. in Sunday's win over the Packers. Mason played more than 50 perhaps of the early-down snaps, while Jones remained the primary passing-down back. Mason ran the ball 15 times compared with Jones' 12 carries, with both scoring touchdowns. Neither running back caught a pass. As Jahnke summed up, "This makes Mason the more valuable fantasy asset going forward, as long as the Vikings are winning games or at least keeping them close." |
Jordan Mason player page
Quarterback Kyler Murray was chatting with teammates and coaches in the Minnesota Vikings' victorious postgame locker room Sunday, hours after a hit to his head left him motionless on the field. Coach Kevin O'Connell was among those who were encouraged by his disposition in the locker room after the Vikings' 39-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers. "I don't have a lot to update," O'Connell said, "other than I did just see him and he seemed to be doing pretty well."
| Footballguys view: Backup Carson Wentz, named the No. 2 quarterback last week, replaced Murray and threw three touchdown passes. Wentz will be the starter until Murray returns, with J.J. McCarthy as the likely backup and possibly Max Brosmer -- currently on the practice squad -- at No. 3. The Vikings' next game is Sunday at the Chicago Bears. |
Kyler Murray player page
The Vikings announced that Kyler Murray is in the concussion protocol.
| Footballguys view: Carson Wentz has replaced him, and of course he threw a touchdown to Justin Jefferson. We'll see if Murray can get cleared before a game at Chicago next week, but we know Kevin O'Connell has some confidence in Wentz. |
Kyler Murray player page
Minnesota Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell announced that Carson Wentz will be the No. 2 backup QB on Sunday vs. the Packers, and J.J. McCarthy will be QB3.
| Footballguys view: No surprise here. McCarthy could use a fresh start, but for now he's going to hold a clipboard and somehow try and develop (likely running the scout team). Wentz is a seasoned pro with a ton of experience, so he'll be able to step in if Murray goes down with an injury. Buy low on McCarthy in dynasty if you believe he can turn things around if/when he gets a fresh start. There may not be too many Fantasy GMs out there that believe McCarthy could do that. |
J.J. McCarthy player page
After months of contemplating retirement, safety Harrison Smith has agreed to return to the Minnesota Vikings for a 15th season, the team announced Saturday.
| Footballguys view: Smith's return is huge for a defense that already lost Jamal Adams, saw Smith's replacement Theo Jackson suffer a leg injury this summer that still has him sidelined, and saw long-term replacement and third-round pick Jakobe Thomas have some back troubles this summer. The team intends to start Smith vs. the Packers in Week 1 even though he wasn't at camp. Smith played one of the best games of the season on Christmas last year, so he can still bring it and will improve the Vikings defense, especially their playmaking ability. |
Minnesota Vikings GM Nolan Teasley said he expects J.J. McCarthy to be on the Week 1 roster.
| Footballguys view: McCarthy missed time at the end of the preseason as he dealt with an ankle injury. Carson Wentz is likely the primary backup to Kyler Murray since McCarthy has missed time and was mostly bad in camp and the preseason games he was featured in. Anything can happen, but we just think McCarthy would have benefited from a fresh start elsewhere. He's trending to be one of the biggest busts in recent first-round QB history. |
J.J. McCarthy player page
Free-agent WR Michael Briscoe, WR Trayvon Rudolph, and TE Marshall Lang were signed to the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad on Monday, Aug. 31.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings WR Dillon Bell was waived Monday, Aug. 31.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB Max Brosmer was waived Monday, Aug. 31.
Link to storyFormer Dallas Cowboys OG Trevor Keegan and former Carolina Panthers C Nick Samac were claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Aug. 31.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) will likely be sidelined for several weeks because of his ankle injury, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
| Footballguys view: Despite rumblings that suggested McCarthy could be cut or traded by Sunday's roster deadline, the former first-round pick made the Vikings' initial 53-man roster. McCarthy opened camp with a chance to compete with Kyler Murray for the starting job, but never managed to make the battle interesting. As preseason progressed, reports suggested Minnesota might move McCarthy to an interested suitor (like the Los Angeles Chargers, led by McCarthy's collegiate coach, Jim Harbaugh) by the end of the month. But for now, McCarthy is QB3 in Minnesota behind Murray and Carson Wentz. |
Minnesota Vikings C Michael Jurgens (undisclosed) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Sunday, Aug. 30, but has been designated to return. The team also placed WR Jeshaun Jones on the Reserve/Suspended list.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings WR Michael Briscoe, WR Terrill Davis, TE Matt Lauter, WR Trayvon Rudolph, WR Marcus Sanders and RB Zavier Scott were waived Sunday, Aug. 30. The team also waived/injured WR Dontae Fleming (undisclosed), RB Jermar Jefferson (undisclosed) and TE Bryson Nesbitt (undisclosed).
Link to storyJermar Jefferson player page
Minnesota Vikings OT Walter Rouse was traded to the New England Patriots Sunday, Aug. 30, in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round draft choice. The Patriots will also receive a 2027 seventh-round pick in the trade.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings LB Tyler Batty (knee) suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during the final preseason and will miss the entire 2026 season, according to sources. He will be placed on the Reserve/Injured list.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings TE Marshall Lang was waived Sunday, Aug. 30, according to a source.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings P Brett Thorson won the punting job, as the team is releasing veteran P Johnny Hekker, a source said Sunday, Aug. 30.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings S Jacob Thomas (ankle) suffered an apparent ankle sprain in the preseason game against the Denver Broncos Friday, Aug. 28, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) will not play in the preseason game Friday, Aug. 28, because of his ankle injury, according to sources. He is considered day-to-day.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is receiving a day off from practicing Wednesday, Aug. 26, but head coach Kevin O'Connell said the plan is for McCarthy to play in the final preseason game.
| Footballguys view: The Vikings play the Broncos on Friday night. McCarthy is battling with Carson Wentz for the backup job to Kyler Murray. Some think McCarthy could be on the trade block, and many think he's not going to be with the Vikings much longer. We'll see what happens, but it's clear that McCarthy could use a fresh start. |
Free-agent CB Tre Hawkins III (Commanders) was signed by the Minnesota Vikings, according to a source on Tuesday, Aug. 25. The Vikings also waived CB Dwight McGlothern with a waived/injured designation.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings WR Jeshaun Jones has been suspended for three games by the NFL for violating it's Substances of Abuse policy on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Link to storyFree-agent DL Jonathan Harris was signed by the Minnesota Vikings, according to a source on Monday, Aug. 24. The Vikings also waived DL Taki Taimani and CB Tyreek Chappell with waived/injured designations.
Link to storyJonathan Harris player page
Free-agent TE Matt Lauter (Titans) signed with the Minnesota Vikings Monday, Aug. 24. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings RBs Demond Claiborne and Zavier Scott are in a heated battle in training camp for a spot on the 53-man roster. Claiborne has blazing speed, but he has had issues fumbling and catching the ball. Scott is more polished, and his experience is key, plus Scott worked on special teams last season.
| Footballguys view: As long-time Vikings observer Judd Zulgad noted, Claiborne's 4.37 speed is difficult to dismiss, but he needs to work on his weaknesses -- and to be more patient in waiting for his blocks to develop. Given Claiborne is only 22 years old, those are things that will take time for him to learn. This is where keeping Scott has to be a consideration. Scott, 27, isn't flashy, but you know what you're going to get. It would not be a surprise if Scott is cut on Sunday and quickly signed to the practice squad. |
Minnesota Vikings OLs Henry Byrd and Walter Rouse are likely fighting for the 10th and final offensive lineman job. Byrd is listed as a guard, but he started at left tackle in the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 23. Rouse is listed as a tackle, but he has been playing tackle in camp. OT Ryan Van Demark is expected to be the top backup at both tackle positions, while OG Joe Huber is expected to hold the same role at the guard spots.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings FB Max Bredeson is considered a lock for the 53-man roster by beat writer Judd Zulgad.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy (undisclosed) left the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 22, against the Baltimore Ravens after getting 'banged up', according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. To make matters worse, QB Carson Wentz shined in relief, and he could push McCarthy for the primary backup job to QB Kyler Murray.
Link to storyCarson Wentz player page
Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy completed five of his 10 passes for 81 yards during the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens Saturday, Aug. 22, and head coach Kevin O'Connell said QB Carson Wentz and QB Joe Fagnano will have more chances to compete for the backup quarterback job. 'We want to keep giving those guys opportunities,' O'Connell said.
| Footballguys view: McCarthy, a first-round pick of the Vikings back in 2024, has already lost the starting job to Kyler Murray. Now, he might not even be the primary backup to Murray. His pro career got off on the wrong foot (to say the least), and a change of scenery might do him some good. |
Carson Wentz player page
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson said he is building better chemistry with QB Kyler Murray now that Murray has been named the starter and is no longer splitting reps. 'So now he has it and the connection is definitely growing,' Jefferson said. 'Work needs to be done, but it comes with time and comes with just coming out here and just working together.'
| Footballguys view: 'Work needs to be done' is balancing 'the connection is definitely growing' in this statement. Of course, if you have Jefferson, you're playing him Week 1 vs. Green Bay, but it sounds like we should temper expectations early on, if we hadn't already given Murray's history re: creating fantasy value for wide receivers. |
Justin Jefferson player page
Minnesota Vikings S Theo Jackson (undisclosed) left practice early Thursday, Aug. 20, because of an apparent lower body injury.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy will 'more than likely' start the team's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, according to coach Kevin O'Connell.
Link to storyFree-agent OG Joshua Gray (Panthers) has signed with the Minnesota Vikings, according to a source on Wednesday, Aug. 19. The Vikings also released DL Eric Johnson.
Link to storyMinnesota Vikings OT Caleb Tiernan (ankle) is considered week-to-week because of an ankle injury, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell.
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