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Zavier Scott Zavier Scott Limited to special teams
Mon, Nov 3, 2025, 2:25 PM
Scott played 13 snaps, all on special teams, in Sunday's win at Detroit.
Analysis: When Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are healthy, Scott will have a limited role on offense. Scott didn't play on offense after Jones hurt his shoulder in the game but could figure back into the mix if Jones is sidelined next week against Baltimore. |
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Jalen Nailor Jalen Nailor Has key reception in win
Mon, Nov 3, 2025, 2:21 PM
Nailor had one reception for 16 yards on four targets in Sunday's win at Detroit.
Analysis: Nailor had just one catch, but it was for a first down at the end of the game that sealed the victory. His opportunities didn't change with the return of J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. Nailor played on 33 of the offense's 62 snaps, which was slightly less than his usual participation. He continues to have a steady role in the offense but won't get many looks in the passing game with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson drawing the bulk of the targets. |
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T.J. Hockenson T.J. Hockenson Scores TD in Week 9 win
Mon, Nov 3, 2025, 2:07 PM
Hockenson had two receptions for 11 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown, on three targets in Sunday's win at Detroit.
Analysis: Hockenson played on 48 of the offense's 62 snaps and went out for a pass on 28 of them, which was about his usual pattern. However, quarterback J.J. McCarthy attempted just 25 passes, which didn't leave a lot of targets for the receiving corps after Justin Jefferson (nine targets). It's promising that McCarthy looked for Hockenson in the red zone. |
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Josh Oliver Josh Oliver Nearing return?
Mon, Nov 3, 2025, 1:25 PM
Head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Monday that Oliver (foot) will work off to the side at practice this week, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Oliver was sidelined for the Week 9 win over the Lions after spraining his foot the game prior, but it now appears he's returning to practice this week. The San Jose State product has caught five of seven targets for 61 yards and two touchdowns through seven contests this season. His practice participation during this week will likely offer the best indication of whether he can return for the Week 10 matchup against the Ravens. |
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Aaron Jones Aaron Jones 'Positive news' regarding shoulder
Mon, Nov 3, 2025, 12:57 PM
Coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that Jones' right shoulder is "sore" following Sunday's 27-24 loss at Detroit, but the Vikings received "positive news early on" and will see if the running back can increase his activity level as the week goes on, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Jones thus seems to have a chance to play this coming Sunday against the Ravens after suffering what he described as an AC joint sprain Week 9, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Jones was running well before exiting in the third quarter, racking up 98 yards from scrimmage on 11 touches, while fellow RB Jordan Mason accounted for 11 touches for 37 total yards. Wednesday's injury report may provide a baseline for Jones as he seeks to miss no additional time. |
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Jordan Addison Jordan Addison Limited in Week 9 win
Sun, Nov 2, 2025, 6:23 PM
Addison brought in two of four targets for 48 yards and rushed once for 16 yards in the Vikings' 27-24 win over the Lions on Sunday.
Analysis: Addison's yardage total, modest as it was, led the Vikings on the afternoon, and he also made good use on his one rush attempt. The third-year wideout exceeded the 100-yard mark in two of his first three games after starting his season in Week 4 due to a suspension, but he's posted a modest 5-74-1 receiving line on eight targets over the last pair of contests. Sunday marked the first opportunity J.J. McCarthy and Addison had to work together in a regular-season setting, so the duo should continue building chemistry in a Week 10 home matchup against the Ravens. |
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Justin Jefferson Justin Jefferson Scores TD in McCarthy's return
Sun, Nov 2, 2025, 4:42 PM
Jefferson secured six of nine targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings' 27-24 win over the Lions on Sunday.
Analysis: Working with J.J. McCarthy as his quarterback for the first time since Week 2, Jefferson finished with team-high reception and target totals while coming just a yard short of drawing even with Jordan Addison for the lead in receiving yards as well. Jefferson's yardage tally was his lowest since Week 1, but his 10-yard touchdown grab to cap off the Vikings' first drive of the contest was also his first trip to the end zone since the opening game of the campaign. Jefferson and McCarthy will continue to build chemistry as the second half of the season unfolds, with their next opportunity coming in a Week 10 home matchup against the Ravens. |
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Aaron Jones Aaron Jones Dealing with shoulder sprain
Sun, Nov 2, 2025, 4:02 PM
Jones, who exited Sunday's 27-24 win over the Lions, suffered an AC joint sprain in his shoulder, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Analysis: According to Pelissero, the belief is that the running back's injury issue is minor, and Jones thinks he'll be able to play next weekend against the Ravens. With that in mind, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune relays that coach Kevin O'Connell noted that Jones' shoulder will be evaluated further, while adding that the team is "hoping to get some good news" on that front. In the event that Jones is forced to miss time, however, fellow RB Jordan Mason would be in line to see added touches, as he did when Jones was on IR with a hamstring injury. |
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Jordan Mason Jordan Mason Accrues 37 total yards in win
Sun, Nov 2, 2025, 3:47 PM
Mason rushed 10 times for 36 yards and brought in his only target for one yard in the Vikings' 27-24 win over the Lions on Sunday.
Analysis: Mason opened the game splitting work as customary with Aaron Jones, but the latter's exit early in the third quarter due to a shoulder injury afforded more opportunity for the former. Mason still found running room mostly at a premium against a talented Lions run defense, and while Jones' inability to return to the game would seemingly portend a potentially serious injury, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports the veteran back has an AC joint sprain and believes he'll be available for a Week 10 home matchup against the Ravens. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy Three total TDs in upset win
Sun, Nov 2, 2025, 3:42 PM
McCarthy completed 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while adding nine rushes for 12 yards and another score in the Vikings' 27-24 win over the Lions on Sunday. He also fumbled once but recovered.
Analysis: The second-year signal-caller made his return from a five-game absence and delivered a significant upset in a difficult road environment. McCarthy's final stat line wasn't exactly scintillating, yet it was still fantasy-friendly thanks to his 10- and seven-yard touchdown passes to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in the first half, as well as his own nine-yard rush with just over six minutes remaining in the third quarter. McCarthy flashed encouraging chemistry with both Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and he'll head into a Week 10 home showdown against the Ravens with plenty of momentum. |
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Aaron Jones Aaron Jones Suffers shoulder injury
Sun, Nov 2, 2025, 2:03 PM
Jones hurt his shoulder during Sunday's contest in Detroit.
Analysis: After a three-yard run at the start of the third quarter, Jones went to the medical tent and has remained there since then. He was sitting on nine carries for 78 yards and two catches (on two targets) for 20 yards at the time he exited. Jordan Mason is poised for more work for as long as Jones is on the sideline. |
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Ben Sims Ben Sims Healthy scratch Sunday
Sun, Nov 2, 2025, 10:39 AM
Sims (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Lions.
Analysis: The tight end was claimed off waivers by the Vikings on Monday and appeared to have a chance to play, with Josh Oliver dealing with a foot injury. Oliver is also inactive, but the Vikings are riding with T.J. Hockenson, Ben Yurosek and Nick Vannett for Sunday's contest. Vannett was elevated from the practice squad Saturday. |
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Nick Vannett Nick Vannett Elevated for Week 9
Sat, Nov 1, 2025, 7:20 PM
Vannett was elevated from the Vikings' practice squad to the active roster Saturday.
Analysis: Vannett has bounced on and off the Vikings' active roster but has spent the last few weeks on their practice squad. With Josh Oliver (foot) out, Vannett will serve as depth among the tight end corps. |
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Josh Oliver Josh Oliver Ruled out for Week 9
Fri, Oct 31, 2025, 2:28 PM
Oliver (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions.
Analysis: Oliver sustained a sprained foot in last Thursday night's loss to the Chargers and will miss his first game of the season. The blocking specialist has recorded five catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns on the year. Ben Yurosek and Ben Sims will be candidates to see increased reps behind T.J. Hockenson. |
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C.J. Ham C.J. Ham Out for Week 9
Fri, Oct 31, 2025, 2:20 PM
Ham (hand) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions.
Analysis: Ham will miss his second straight contest after being injured in Week 7. The veteran fullback has logged just 24 offensive snaps this season. |
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Josh Oliver Josh Oliver Doesn't practice Thursday
Thu, Oct 30, 2025, 4:08 PM
Oliver (foot) did not participate in Thursday's practice.
Analysis: Oliver sprained his foot during the Vikings' Week 8 loss to the Chargers, and Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reported Wednesday that the veteran tight end is unlikely to play against the Lions on Sunday. Ben Yurosek would be the Vikings' backup tight end behind T.J. Hockenson if Oliver is indeed ruled out Week 9 while Ben Sims -- who Minnesota claimed off waivers from Green Bay on Monday -- serves as the TE3. |
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C.J. Ham C.J. Ham Back-to-back DNPs to open week
Thu, Oct 30, 2025, 4:05 PM
Ham (hand) did not participate in Thursday's practice.
Analysis: Ham was unable to play against the Chargers in Week 8 due to a hand injury he picked up against the Eagles in Week 7. He's missed the first two practices of Week 9 prep, and he'll have to practice in at least a limited capacity Friday to have a realistic chance of playing against the Lions on Sunday. Without another fullback on the active roster, the Vikings would continue to lean on tight ends Josh Oliver (foot) and Ben Yurosek to handle backfield blocking duties if Ham is not cleared to play. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy Logs full practice Wednesday
Wed, Oct 29, 2025, 4:19 PM
McCarthy (ankle) was a full practice participant Wednesday.
Analysis: In the wake of Carson Wentz's imminent season-ending surgery on his left non-throwing shoulder, McCarthy was expected to take over starting QB duties for the first time since Week 2 this coming Sunday at Detroit. McCarthy's ability to handle every practice rep to begin Week 9 prep is a great sign that the Vikings will have the 2024 first-round pick back in action for that contest. McCarthy himself told Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune on Wednesday that his right ankle feels "amazing" and "ready to go." As a result, expect McCarthy to resume directing Minnesota's offense this weekend and beyond. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy On track for Week 9 start
Wed, Oct 29, 2025, 2:19 PM
Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday that McCarthy (ankle) will be the starter for Sunday's game against the Lions and get a full week of practice in preparation for his return to the lineup, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: O'Connell essentially doubled down on the comments he offered Tuesday while speaking with KFAN FM 100.3, as Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports. Per Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com, O'Connell specified Wednesday that there is nothing left for McCarthy to do to prove his health, an indication that the second-year pro will not only practice in full but also return to the starting lineup on the road against Detroit after having been inactive for Minnesota's prior five contests due to a right high-ankle sprain. With veteran fill-in Carson Wentz (shoulder) now on IR after having undergone season-ending surgery, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will be positioned as the No. 2 option behind McCarthy going forward. |
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Josh Oliver Josh Oliver Likely out with foot sprain
Wed, Oct 29, 2025, 1:16 PM
Head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Wednesday that Oliver will likely be sidelined for Sunday's matchup against the Lions due to a foot sprain, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
Analysis: The 28-year-old was feared to have sustained a long-term injury in Minnesota's Week 8 loss to the Chargers, but X-rays confirmed the issue to be a foot sprain. Although Oliver is expected to miss the Week 9 contest in Detroit, he could return for the Week 10 matchup against the Ravens. While he's likely sidelined Sunday, expect Ben Yurosek to operate the Vikings' No. 2 tight end. |
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