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Justin Jefferson Justin Jefferson Week 1 remains priority
Wed, Jul 30, 2025, 4:24 PM
Coach Kevin O'Connell said Tuesday that the Vikings have "zero worry" about Jefferson's (hamstring) availability for a Week 1 road matchup with the Bears on Monday, Sept. 8, Emily Leiker of The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Jefferson came out of last Thursday's practice with what was later termed a mild left hamstring strain. In the meantime, he's sat out on-field work but still has been present at all but one session on the schedule, coaching up fellow wide receivers on reps, good and bad. "Rehab's going really well," O'Connell noted. "Already progressing. Could end up being a blessing in disguise in a lot of ways, where Justin's mentally preparing and engaging with his teammates. He's totally and completely present every single day." Minnesota understandably will take a cautious approach with its top skill-position talent on the roster, but it'll be interesting to see if Jefferson and second-year signal-caller J.J. McCarthy log some preseason action together ahead of the regular season. |
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Justin Jefferson Justin Jefferson Tending to mild hamstring strain
Fri, Jul 25, 2025, 2:24 PM
Coach Kevin O'Connell said Friday that Jefferson is dealing with a mild left hamstring strain, and the Vikings will evaluate the wide receiver again next week, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Jefferson didn't participate in the last handful of drills at Thursday's practice due what initially was called tightness in his legs. With a diagnosis now honed in on, Minnesota will take a cautious approach with its top offensive weapon, and there's no worry at this time regarding his potential to play Week 1 at Chicago, which is more than six weeks in the future. |
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Justin Jefferson Justin Jefferson Sits out end of practice
Thu, Jul 24, 2025, 4:45 PM
Jefferson sat out the end of Thursday's practice after experiencing some mild tightness in his legs, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: That said, Seifert indicates that there are no concerns for Jefferson, even in the short term, but on just the second day of training camp the wideout elected to not push things, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic. As the coming season approaches, Jefferson is poised to maintain his high-volume role in a Minnesota passing offense that's now directed by 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy. |
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Rondale Moore Rondale Moore Healthy for camp
Thu, Jul 24, 2025, 9:03 AM
Moore is healthy for training camp and competing for work as a punt returner, Mark Craig of The Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: The 2021 second-round pick never panned out as a starting wide receiver, but he'll try to continue his career as a return specialist and depth wideout after a non-contact knee injury last summer cost him the entire 2024 campaign. The Vikings return starting wideouts Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor, with rookie third-round pick Tai Felton giving the team a fourth roster lock at the position. That likely leaves two spots up for grabs, with special teams potentially a big factor in determining them. |
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Jordan Addison Jordan Addison Gets fine and probation in DUI case
Thu, Jul 17, 2025, 12:46 PM
Addison, who had a trial for his 2024 DUI citation Tuesday in a Superior Court of California, pleaded to a lesser offense and will pay a fine and be on probation according to his representation, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: With Addison's court case now complete, the NFL likely will weigh in soon on a possible suspension. Even though he pleaded to a lesser charge, he still could face discipline since the NFL's substance-abuse policy has a baseline punishment for a first-time DUI offense of a three-game suspension. |
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Jordan Addison Jordan Addison Begins jury trial
Tue, Jul 15, 2025, 9:10 AM
Addison's jury trial stemming from a 2024 DUI citation begins Tuesday, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Adam Schefter of ESPN notes that a three-game suspension would be in line with NFL precedent in the event Addison is convicted. The league can apply a lower standard than criminal courts, which means even if he isn't convicted, he may not avoid NFL punishment. For the time being, Addison's availability for the start of the regular season is up in the air. |
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Jordan Addison Jordan Addison DUI trial set for July
Tue, Jun 17, 2025, 9:42 AM
Addison's jury trial for a DUI citation will commence on July 15 after a June 16 hearing to set the Superior Court of California schedule, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports. Addison pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence after authorities found him asleep behind the wheel of a car on a Los Angeles freeway on July 12, 2024, according to CBS Minnesota.
Analysis: Addison could face discipline from the NFL if he's found guilty, as the NFL's substance-abuse policy has a baseline punishment for a first-time DUI offense of a three-game suspension, Pro Football Talk reports. It's possible Addison's punishment from the NFL will be lengthier if he's found guilty should the league also take into account that he pleaded guilty to a 2023 misdemeanor speeding charge after being cited for driving 140 miles per hour in Minnesota. It sounds like a verdict in the DUI case could be announced at some point later this summer or early fall, which means Addison could potentially face discipline from the NFL during the 2025 season. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy No issues with knee
Thu, Jun 12, 2025, 3:01 PM
McCarthy has been participating in spring practices without any issues in his surgically repaired knee, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: Coming back from a meniscus tear suffered last summer, McCarthy resumed on-field work in January, setting him up for a normal offseason. As expected, he had no limitations during OTAs and then passed his physical at the start of June minicamp. With Sam Howell and Brett Rypien being the veteran quarterbacks on Minnesota's roster, McCarthy doesn't appear to have any competition for the Week 1 starting job. He's in a great situation under coach Kevin O'Connell, throwing passes to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson while playing behind one of the best offensive lines in the league. McCarthy also offers more running ability that Sam Darnold, who threw for a career-high 4,319 yards and 35 TDs in Minnesota during the 2024 regular season. |
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Giovanni Ricci Giovanni Ricci Going to Twin Cities
Tue, Jun 10, 2025, 6:33 PM
Minnesota signed Ricci on Tuesday.
Analysis: In a corresponding transaction, the Vikings released linebacker Matt Harmon. Ricci was dropped by Cleveland in 2024 before signing a futures deal with New England back in February, and he's now changing uniforms again. He'll probably need to impress Minnesota's coaching staff during training camp to crack the final 53-man roster for 2025. |
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Jalen Nailor Jalen Nailor Bulking up in offseason
Tue, Jun 10, 2025, 1:43 PM
Nailor has bulked up and gained muscle in the offseason, Judd Zulgand of SKOR North reports.
Analysis: Nailor will face increased competition for the third receiver role with the Vikings drafting Tai Felton in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft and with signing free agent Rondale Moore. Whoever wins the role could see an increase in playing time if Jordan Addison misses time due to a possible suspension from his DUI arrest last summer. While gaining muscle may not mean much in terms of improving his chances to with the role, it shows he's doing work in the offseason. |
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Josh Oliver Josh Oliver Signs three-year extension
Tue, Jun 10, 2025, 11:32 AM
The Vikings signed Oliver to a three-year, $23.25 million contract on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Oliver is one of the league's better run-blocking tight ends and he filled in capably as a pass-catcher at times in 2024 for T.J. Hockenson, who didn't make his debut until Week 9. With Hockenson now fully recovered from the ACL tear he sustained in 2023, Oliver remains positioned to handle a familiar blocking role integral Minnesota's overall offense, but not in a way that translates to notable fantasy value. |
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Rondale Moore Rondale Moore Participating in OTAs
Fri, Jun 6, 2025, 10:42 AM
Moore (knee) has been an on-field participant at OTAs, per the Vikings' official site.
Analysis: Moore appears healthy as he begins work to carve out a depth role in Minnesota's wide receiver corps, where Jalen Nailor appears fairly secure as the No. 3 receiver behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. A non-contact knee injury sustained last August forced Moore to spend the entire 2024 season, his first and only in Atlanta, on IR. Across three years and 39 regular-season games with Arizona, the 2021 second-rounder combined for 135 catches for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns, plus 52 carries for 249 rushing yards. If Moore's recovery hasn't impacted his burst, his unusual skill set could find a place in head coach Kevin O'Connell's offense. |
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Jordan Mason Jordan Mason Looks healthy at OTAs
Wed, Jun 4, 2025, 9:52 AM
Mason (ankle) participated in on-field drills during OTAs on Tuesday, per the Vikings' official site.
Analysis: Mason appears fully recovered from the high-ankle sprain that forced him to miss the final five regular-season games of his breakout 2024 campaign in San Francisco. The 26-year-old impressed out of the gate last year with Christian McCaffrey unavailable for the 49ers, rushing 134 times for 685 yards (5.1 YPC) and three scores during the team's first eight games, before injuries of his own popped up. Aaron Jones inked a two-year extension with Minnesota this offseason and still projects as the team's starter, but in the interest of keeping the 30-year-old fresh, Mason will be a candidate to push for a significant backfield split. Boasting a far larger frame at 5-foot-11, 223 pounds, Mason also seems the favorite for short-yardage and goal-line work. |
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Sam Howell Sam Howell On the move to Minnesota
Sat, Apr 26, 2025, 1:43 PM
Howell was traded from the Seahawks to the Vikings on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: This was a likely outcome for Howell after Seattle drafted Jalen Milroe on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Howell has starting experience and is a serviceable backup behind J.J. McCarthy, who is set to take over as the new starter in Minnesota. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy No limitations at voluntary OTAs
Mon, Apr 21, 2025, 1:01 PM
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday at the start of Minnesota's voluntary OTAs that McCarthy (knee) will participate in "full" with "no limitations," Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: The 2024 first-round pick missed his entire rookie campaign due to a torn meniscus suffered just after his preseason debut, but after having resumed on-field work in January, O'Connell said McCarthy is now "ready to hit the ground running" with no training limitations, per Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune. Despite McCarthy not being able to log any action as a rookie, Minnesota's confidence in the young-signal caller was high enough for the team to allow Sam Darnold to sign with Seattle after a career year, leaving the 2024 10th overall pick in clear position to enter Year 2 as a starter. With an elite top trio of pass-catchers at his disposal in the form of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson, plus an O-line recently bolstered by offseason signings Ryan Kelly and Will Fries (lower leg), McCarthy has all the surrounding support necessary to start his tenure in the No. 1 seat strong. |
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Aaron Jones Aaron Jones May lose goal-line work to Mason
Mon, Apr 7, 2025, 9:48 AM
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has hinted at reducing Jones' workload and using trade acquisition Jordan Mason as part of a "1A/1B backfield structure," ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert reports.
Analysis: O'Connell specifically mentioned goal-line and short-yardage situations as areas where Mason can help, noting that the Vikings "left a lot to be desired" in those situations last year. Jones returns as the starter after signing a two-year, $20 million contract, but it sounds like he's a long shot to match last season's career highs for snaps (700), rush attempts (255) and touches (306). The only disappointment in 2024 was scoring three times on 24 carries inside the 10-yard line, with just seven total TDs (five rushing) despite playing all 17 games and recording 1,546 yards from scrimmage (his most since 2019) at rates of 4.5 yards per carry and 8.0 per catch. While ceding goal-line carries is never a good thing for fantasy value, Mason's physical presence could help the 30-year-old Jones stay healthy and maintain his strong per-touch yardage production. |
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Jordan Mason Jordan Mason Should get goal-line chances
Mon, Apr 7, 2025, 9:28 AM
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell expects Mason (ankle) to "bring something to the table" in goal-line and short-yardage situations, ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert reports.
Analysis: O'Connell also discussed returning starter Aaron Jones, saying "when [Jones] has... that 1A/1B backfield structure, he can be a total game-changer every time he touches the ball." In other words, O'Connell hopes the 223-pound Mason can be 1B, taking carries between the tackles while Jones gets most of the work in space. The Vikings traded for Mason in mid-March, shortly after San Francisco gave him a second-round restricted free agent tender (and after Minnesota re-signed Jones on a two-year, $20 million contract). Mason missed the final five weeks of his 2024 breakout season with a high-ankle injury, but there hasn't been any report of surgery or a prolonged rehab process this offseason. |
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Rondale Moore Rondale Moore Finds new home in Minnesota
Wed, Mar 19, 2025, 7:14 PM
The Vikings signed Moore (knee) on Wednesday.
Analysis: Moore missed the entire 2024 season with a non-contact knee injury he suffered in a joint practice with the Dolphins last August. He was a second-round pick by the Cardinals in 2021 and appeared in 39 games for the team across three seasons, catching 135 passes for 1,201 yards and three touchdowns. In Minnesota, Moore will look to compete with Jalen Nailor for a depth job behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy Appears locked in as starter
Wed, Mar 19, 2025, 8:42 AM
The Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on McCarthy (knee) this offseason and aren't pursuing Aaron Rodgers in free agency, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Minnesota is still expected to sign a veteran quarterback after losing Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens last week, but it won't be someone that represents a serious threat to take the starting job from McCarthy. The 10th overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft appeared be pressing Darnold for the starting gig last summer after throwing for 188 yards and two touchdowns in his preseason debut, only to be diagnosed with a torn meniscus a few days later. McCarthy had season-ending surgery in mid-August and didn't resume on-field work until the winter, but he should be back to full strength well before training camp. It isn't yet clear if he'll have any limitations during spring practices. |
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Tim Jones Tim Jones Going to Minneapolis
Tue, Mar 18, 2025, 1:09 PM
Minnesota will sign Jones from free agency, Craig Peters of the Vikings' official site reports.
Analysis: Jones has spent the past four seasons in Jacksonville, but now he'll get a fresh start with a new squad. He's coming off a 2024 season that saw him haul in three of his five targets for 41 yards over 17 games. He also contributed as a kick returner, and he could slot in as a regular special-teams contributor in 2025. |
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