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Aaron Jones Aaron Jones IR bound, out at least four games
Tue, Sep 16, 2025, 4:14 PM
The Vikings plan to place Jones (hamstring) on injured reserve Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Head coach Kevin O'Connell had already indicated that Jones was on track to sit out Sunday's game against the Bengals after straining his hamstring in the Week 2 loss to the Falcons, but the veteran running back will now have to miss at least four games while he heads to IR. Minnesota added Cam Akers to its practice squad Tuesday to bolster its backfield depth, but Jordan Mason looks set to operate as the Vikings' clear No. 1 running back in Jones' absence. Over the first two games of the season, Jones had been part of a timeshare with Mason, playing fewer than half the offensive snaps in both contests while carrying 13 times for 46 yards and adding three catches for 44 yards and a touchdown on four targets. |
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Desmond Ridder Desmond Ridder Joining Minnesota
Tue, Sep 16, 2025, 3:07 PM
Ridder agreed to a contract with the Vikings on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) will avoid a stint on injured reserve, but since he's considered week-to-week and is likely to miss multiple games, the Vikings will bring Ridder aboard to bolster their depth under center. Carson Wentz looks on track to replace McCarthy as the Vikings' starter beginning with Sunday's game against the Bengals, but Ridder could eventually displace undrafted rookie Max Brosmer for the top backup job. A 2022 third-round pick, Ridder has made 25 appearances (18 starts) through his first three NFL seasons between stops with the Falcons and Raiders, completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 6.8 yards per attempt and a 16:14 TD:INT while adding 293 yards and five scores on the ground. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy Likely out at least two weeks
Tue, Sep 16, 2025, 11:05 AM
McCarthy (ankle) is expected to miss 2-to-4 weeks after sustaining a right high-ankle sprain in Sunday's 22-6 loss to the Falcons, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: The Vikings haven't provided an official timeline for McCarthy's return from the injury, but Carson Wentz will be in line to start at quarterback for at least this Sunday's game against the Bengals. Schefter notes that because the Vikings are playing overseas in Weeks 4 (Sept. 28 versus the Steelers in Dublin) and 5 (Oct. 5 versus the Browns in London) before heading into a bye Week 6, the team could be inclined to err on the side of caution and hold McCarthy out for the next three games to give him sufficient time to heal up from the ankle injury. |
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Jordan Mason Jordan Mason In line for more work
Mon, Sep 15, 2025, 2:27 PM
Mason is a candidate for more touches with Aaron Jones (hamstring) potentially being limited or sidelined Sunday versus the Bengals, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Coach Kevin O'Connell relayed the news regarding Jones on Monday, and the situation should gain clarity once the Vikings are required to post Week 3 injury reports, starting Wednesday. In any case, Mason already had a leg up on Jones through two games this season, handling 24 carries for 98 yards and gathering in three of four targets for 15 yards, while Jones notched 13 carries for 46 yards and three catches (on four targets) for 44 yards and one touchdown. Assuming Jones is out this weekend, most of his touches will be gobbled up by Mason. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy Week-to-week due to sprained ankle
Mon, Sep 15, 2025, 2:08 PM
McCarthy is considered week-to-week after he sustained a high-ankle sprain during Sunday's 22-6 loss to the Falcons, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Not long after coach Kevin O'Connell revealed Monday that McCarthy showed up to team facilities with a sore ankle that was deemed a sprain, Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network are reporting that the injury may require some time on the sideline. McCarthy didn't fare well in Week 2, completing 11 of 21 passes for 158 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions, turning five carries into 25 yards and losing one of his three fumbles. O'Connell also told Alec Lewis of The Athletic that Minnesota will get backup QB Carson Wentz ready for Sunday's game against the Bengals in the event McCarthy eventually is inactive. |
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Aaron Jones Aaron Jones May not be available Week 3
Mon, Sep 15, 2025, 1:58 PM
Coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that Jones (hamstring) is still being evaluated, but the Vikings may be without the running back Sunday versus the Bengals, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Jones made an early exit from Sunday's 22-6 loss to the Falcons due to a hamstring injury, but even before then he was in a relative timeshare with Jordan Mason. Overall, Jones tallied 23 yards on five carries and didn't haul in his only target on 20 offensive snaps, while Mason had nine carries for 30 yards and two catches (on three targets) for eight yards on 28 plays. If Jones ends up sitting out Week 3, Mason likely would take on the bulk of Minnesota's backfield reps, while Zavier Scott would be a candidate to mix in as well. |
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Carson Wentz Carson Wentz Candidate for Week 3 start
Mon, Sep 15, 2025, 1:54 PM
Wentz could start Sunday's game against the Bengals with the status of J.J. McCarthy (ankle) uncertain, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't yet ruled out McCarthy, but he said Monday that the second-year quarterback's status for Week 3 is unclear due to a sprained ankle, leaving Wentz in a position to step in under center and command Minnesota's offense. With Joe Burrow (toe) in line for an extended absence, that positions Wentz for a showdown at home against a Cincinnati team led by QB Jake Browning. Meanwhile, Jordan Addison (suspension) still is one game removed from being eligible for reinstatement, and Aaron Jones (hamstring) appears unlikely for Week 3, leaving WRs Justin Jefferson, Jalen Nailor and Adam Thielen, RB Jordan Mason and TE T.J. Hockenson positioned as the top skill-position weapons available for Wentz. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy Has sprained ankle, status TBD
Mon, Sep 15, 2025, 1:49 PM
Coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that McCarthy has a sprained ankle, and it's unclear if he'll be available Sunday against the Bengals, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: McCarthy had a rough Week 2 after an encouraging Week 1, completing 11 of 21 passes for 158 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions, turning five carries into 25 yards and losing one of his three fumbles during Sunday's 22-6 loss to the Falcons. If McCarthy ends up missing Week 3, veteran Carson Wentz is in line to step in and lead the Vikings offense. |
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Tim Jones Tim Jones Plays three snaps on offense
Mon, Sep 15, 2025, 1:36 PM
Jones didn't have a target or reception, but played three snaps on on offense in Sunday's loss at Atlanta.
Analysis: He went out on one route. Jones played 11 snaps on special teams. He's unlikely to have a larger role on offense as a depth receiver and special team player. He may return to the practice squad when Jordan Addison returns in two weeks from a suspension. |
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Adam Thielen Adam Thielen Two receptions in loss
Mon, Sep 15, 2025, 1:20 PM
Thielen had two receptions for 26 yards on three targets in Sunday's loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: Thielen started in a three-receiver set on offense and saw a slight increase in both targets (one last week) and snaps (38 of the offense's 47 snaps). He still saw fewer targets than Jalen Nailor (five) and ran fewer routes (30 to 27), but the gap was closer than Week 1. While Thielen's usage improved slightly, the passing offense may be limited by J.J. McCarthy's erratic play, and his role could decrease in two weeks when Jordan Addison returns from a three-game suspension. |
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J.J. McCarthy J.J. McCarthy Can't replicate last week's magic
Sun, Sep 14, 2025, 11:09 PM
McCarthy completed 11 of 21 pass attempts for 158 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions while taking five carries for 25 yards with a lost fumble in Sunday's 22-6 loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: McCarthy struggled out of the gates like he did for three quarters in his pro debut last week, but he was unable to replicate the fourth-quarter heroics we saw against the Bears in a crushing loss to the Falcons on Sunday Night Football. The 22-year-old looked like a true rookie out there, throwing two interceptions and putting three balls on the ground (mercifully, only losing possession of one). We have now seen seven poor quarters of play, one eye-opening quarter and a 1-1 record from McCarthy through two starts. This dud will likely steer fantasy managers away from the 2024 first-round pick, but next Sunday's opponent (Cincinnati Bengals) present a soft fantasy matchup for those buying into a bounce-back performance in Week 3. |
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Jordan Mason Jordan Mason Leads backfield with 11 touches
Sun, Sep 14, 2025, 10:58 PM
Mason rushed nine times for 30 yards and caught two of three targets for eight yards in Sunday's 22-6 loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: Mason was already seeing early-down work before co-starter Aaron Jones (hamstring) was forced out of the contest with an injury. The latter did not return Sunday, and Jones' status going forward is currently unclear. The gradual shift by Minnesota's coaching staff towards the younger, more-explosive Mason early in the season was clear, and the injury to his backfield mate only solidifies that movement. Managers should look past this statistical dud and start Mason with confidence heading into next Sunday's tilt against the Bengals. |
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Justin Jefferson Justin Jefferson Leading receiver on SNF
Sun, Sep 14, 2025, 10:44 PM
Jefferson finished with three receptions on six targets for 81 yards in Sunday's 22-6 loss to the Falcons.
Analysis: Jefferson was able to rip off a huge 50-yard gain on Atlanta's defense, but was otherwise held in check Sunday. QB J.J. McCarthy completed just 11 passes for 158 yards in the ugly loss, with his top wideout accounting for nearly half of his total production. Jefferson has gotten off to a slower start in 2025 with McCarthy (7-125-1) under center compared to the two-week sample we saw with 2024 starter Sam Darnold (8-192-2). Even with the slight drop off in production, Jefferson remains an unquestioned fantasy WR1 heading into a Week 3 matchup against Ja'Marr Chase and the Bengals next Sunday. |
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Aaron Jones Aaron Jones Hurts hamstring on SNF
Sun, Sep 14, 2025, 9:44 PM
Jones (hamstring) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Falcons, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Jones was having a quiet game prior to his fourth-quarter injury, with just five carries for 23 yards and no catches on one target. Jordan Mason will handle the bulk of the backfield workload for the Vikings if Jones remains out. |
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Zavier Scott Zavier Scott Cleared to play
Fri, Sep 12, 2025, 4:03 PM
Scott (ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday night's game against the Falcons.
Analysis: Scott will be making his season debut after he missed Week 1 against the Bears. With Ty Chandler (knee) placed on injured reserve earlier this week and set to miss at least the next four games, Scott is in line for RB3 duties behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, though that likely won't translate to many, if any, offensive opportunities. |
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Josh Oliver Josh Oliver Cleared to play Sunday
Fri, Sep 12, 2025, 3:59 PM
Oliver (ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday night's game against the Falcons.
Analysis: Mainly a blocking specialist for the Vikings, Oliver played 48 percent of the offensive snaps in last Monday night's win over the Bears and caught his lone target for five yards. |
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Zavier Scott Zavier Scott Limited on Thursday
Thu, Sep 11, 2025, 6:17 PM
Scott (ankle) was limited in Thursday's practice.
Analysis: Scott missed Week 1 and was estimated as a full participant Wednesday, but with the Vikings back on the practice field Thursday, the running back's reps were limited. If healthy, Scott would be in line for RB3 duties this week after Ty Chandler (knee) was placed on injured reserve earlier in the day Thursday. |
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Josh Oliver Josh Oliver Doesn't practice Thursday
Thu, Sep 11, 2025, 4:57 PM
Oliver (ankle) didn't practice Thursday.
Analysis: Oliver also sat out Wednesday's walkthrough due to an ankle injury, so he has just one more chance to prove his health Friday ahead of Sunday's contest against the Falcons. If Oliver is inhibited or sidelined this weekend, Benjamin Yurosek and Nick Vannett would be candidates for elevated workloads behind the Vikings' top TE T.J. Hockenson. |
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Nick Vannett Nick Vannett Gets spot on Minnesota's roster
Thu, Sep 11, 2025, 1:21 PM
The Vikings signed Vannett off their practice squad Thursday.
Analysis: Vannett and Tim Jones were signed Thursday to fill the two roster spots opened up by the placement of Blake Cashman (hamstring) and Ty Chandler (knee) on IR. In 111 regular-season games, Vannett has contributed 108 catches for 1,012 yards and nine touchdowns, so he's unlikely to factor into the passing game significantly. |
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Tim Jones Tim Jones Signed to Minnesota's roster
Thu, Sep 11, 2025, 1:16 PM
The Vikings signed Jones off their practice squad Thursday.
Analysis: Jones was elevated from Minnesota's practice squad against the Bears in Week 1, logging 14 snaps on special teams and three on offense. After opening up a pair of roster spots by placing Blake Cashman (hamstring) and Ty Chandler (knee) on IR, the Vikings added Jones to their 53-man roster. The 27-year-old Jones has 17 career catches. |
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