AugustUpdate Camp News | Staff Rankings | Config Cheat Sheet | STOMP
Draft Strategies | Depth Charts | Mock Drafts | SOS | Tools | ADP
Diehards Staff Experts Poll | Draft Simulator | University Videos
 

Go To: FlashUpdate / August Update Main Page



Minnesota Vikings
Go To: Off-season Team Review

Most Recent News Updates:
MIN -- More Details: Hockenson's Deal Resets TE Market (8/31/21:12 CT)
MIN -- High Expectations Being Set For Addison (8/31/14:51 CT)
MIN -- Vikings Confirm Hockenson Extension (8/31/10:28 CT)
MIN -- Vikings, Hockenson Agree To Terms On Contract Extension (8/31/10:03 CT)
MIN -- Nwangwu Goes On Injured Reserve (8/30/19:58 CT)
MIN -- Viking Signing Former Dolphins RB Myles Gaskin (8/30/09:43 CT)
MIN -- Observer: Big Workload Coming For Mattison (8/29/21:01 CT)
MIN -- Vikings Release Rookie RB McBride (8/29/13:30 CT)
MIN -- Will Jefferson Get A New Deal Before Week 1? (8/29/00:09 CT)
MIN -- Vikings Looking To Develop Hall As QB Of The Future? (8/28/00:03 CT)
MIN -- Rookie QB Hall Gets Extended Showing In Exhibition Finale (8/26/19:25 CT)
MIN -- Addidson Pleads Guilty To Misdemeanor Speeding Charge (8/24/17:55 CT)
MIN -- Vikings Release N'Keal Harry (8/24/10:59 CT)
MIN -- Hockenson Now Missing Time With Stiff Back (8/23/16:06 CT)
MIN -- Addison Clears Concussion Protocol (8/23/14:27 CT)
MIN -- Hockenson Remains Limited; Contract Not His Focus (8/21/17:20 CT)
MIN -- O-Line Depth An Ongoing Concern (8/20/00:05 CT)
MIN -- Vikings Sign XFL QB Ta'amu (8/18/19:37 CT)
MIN -- O'Connell: Addison Could Return As Early As Monday (8/16/19:09 CT)
MIN -- Addison Not Practicing; WR In Concussion Protocol (8/16/14:26 CT)
MIN -- Hockenson Limited By Ear Infection That Affects His Equilibrium (8/14/15:47 CT)
MIN -- Kareem Hunt Visiting Minnesota Next (8/11/15:42 CT)
MIN -- Chandler Making A Case For A Role Behind Mattison? (8/11/09:48 CT)
MIN -- Addison Gaining Traction As He Gets Familiar With Playbook (8/10/00:33 CT)
MIN -- Hockenson Closing In On A Contract Extension? (8/10/00:01 CT)
MIN -- O'Connell: Hockenson Dealing With An Illness (8/08/01:10 CT)
MIN -- Initial Issues And Injuries Of Note (8/08/00:00 CT)

Current News Updates
8/31 Following up on the previous items. ... T.J. Hockenson will sign a four-year, $68.5 million contract extension that resets the tight end market, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Vikings announced a new deal for Hockenson on Thursday but did not disclose terms. A source told Schefter that the average annual value of the deal is $17.125 million and that Hockenson will make $42.5 million guaranteed -- both the highest for a tight end in NFL history. "He fits our culture," Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Thursday. "He's the type of player we want in Minnesota. I'm really excited to get it done. ..." Hockenson quickly became one of quarterback Kirk Cousins' top targets after a midseason trade from the Detroit Lions, hauling in 60 receptions for 519 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games. The two-time Pro Bowler finished second among NFL tight ends last season with 86 receptions for 914 yards in 17 combined games with Minnesota and Detroit. ... Hockenson, 26, had missed significant time during training camp and the preseason for multiple reasons, including an ear infection and a sore back, according to the Vikings. Hockenson and the Vikings both repeatedly had attributed his absence to the health issues, not his contract situation. O'Connell said Thursday he feels "very good" about Hockenson's availability for Week 1 of the regular season.

8/31 According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, we shouldn't be surprised if Jordan Addison leads all rookie wide receivers in catches. ... Graziano went on to acknowledge the Vikings' offense will still center around Justin Jefferson, because how could it not? But they drafted Addison in the first round for a reason, and he has been nothing short of awesome all summer. He offers an upgrade over what Minnesota got from a 32-year-old Adam Thielen last season, and he can help diversify the passing game and take it to another level in the second year under coach Kevin O'Connell. I wouldn't be surprising to see Addison push the 80-catch mark in his rookie season, and I think he could do that without cutting into Jefferson's production very much at all.

8/31 Following up on the previous item. ... Shortly after the reports broke regarding an agreement on the terms of a contract extension with TE T.J. Hockenson, the Vikings confirmed the news during a press conference. There’s no word on specific terms, but the initial reports claim he'll be one of the NFL's highest-paid TEs. Hockenson was not a full participant in training camp practices this summer and fielded repeated questions about whether the lack of a contract extension was the reason. Hockenson said it wasn’t, but it seems like a good bet that getting the deal done will result in him stepping up his practice work ahead of the season opener. The Vikings traded a 2023 second- and a 2024 third-round pick to the Lions for Hockenson and two fourth-round picks last year. The 2019 first-round pick had 60 catches for 519 yards and three touchdowns after coming to Minnesota.

8/31 The Vikings and T.J. Hockenson agreed to terms on a contract extension that makes him one of the NFL’s highest-paid tight ends, sources NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport. Acquired from Detroit last fall, Hockenson has flourished in Minnesota. Now sticking around for the long haul. ... We'll have more as further details come to light.

8/30 The Vikings placed running back Kene Nwangwu on injured reserve Wednesday. They also announced the signings of running back Myles Gaskin and offensive tackle David Quessenberry and waived wide receiver Jalen Reagor. The moves of Gaskin and Reagor previously were reported. Nwangwu, who missed the past three weeks with an undisclosed injury, will miss at least four games on injured reserve before he can return. Nwangwu, a fourth-round pick in 2021, returned two kickoffs for touchdowns as a rookie. He averaged 26.3 yards last season and returned one kickoff for a touchdown. Gaskin joins Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler at running back for the Vikings.

8/30 Running back Myles Gaskin was released by the Dolphins on Tuesday and it didn’t take him long to find a new place to play. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Gaskin has agreed to sign with the Vikings. Gaskin’s deal will land him on the active roster in Minnesota once it is official. Joining the Vikings will reunite Gaskin with Brian Flores. The Vikings defensive coordinator was Gaskin’s head coach in Miami from 2019-2021. The Vikings kept three running backs on their initial 53-man roster. Alexander Mattison is set to start with Kene Nwangnu and Ty Chandler also making it through cutdown day. Gaskin played 34 games over his first three seasons in Miami, but only made four appearances last season. He has 361 carries for 1,355 yards and seven rushing touchdowns to go with 101 catches for 701 yards and six touchdowns through the air. The Vikings are also waiving former first-round draft pick Jalen Reagor.

8/29 According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, Alexander Mattison is line for a heavy workloads. "From the outset, Kevin O'Connell and the Minnesota Vikings staff are very committed to Mattison being the guy." Lewis said on The Athletic Football Show.
8/29 The Vikings are waiving rookie seventh-round pick RB DeWayne McBride, per source. The former UAB star scored two preseason TDs. His departure leaves Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu as the depth pieces behind Alexander Mattison. ... We'll be posting complete moves as they're reported through today's 4 p.m. ET deadline on our NFL Roster Cuts page.

8/29 The Vikings have arguably the best receiver in the NFL under contract for two more years. Will they get that contract extended before the regular season starts? Albert Breer of SI.com writes that the Vikings are "making an effort" to make it happen before Week 1. As Profootballtalk.com notes, to his credit, Jefferson is all in for 2023. He has not let his unsettled status affect him, even though he's due to make a paltry $2.399 million in 2023. The Vikings presumably will make their best offer before September 10. Will Jefferson take it, or will he roll the dice on getting more after the season? For Jefferson, the risk is injury. For the Vikings, the risk is Jefferson will decide to not be so nice about the situation. PFT's Mike Florio contends the Vikings need to realize what they have in Jefferson and get the deal done, before he decides that he wants to go elsewhere. And they should not assume he won't realize at some point that they have failed to fully appreciate what they have.

8/28 At the Scouting Combine, the Vikings talked to the 49ers about a potential trade for quarterback Trey Lance. After the 49ers decided to trade Lance this week, the Vikings were not involved. That’s the word from Kevin Seifert, who covers the Vikings for ESPN.com. Now that the Vikings have added former BYU quarterback Jaren Hall through the draft, the Vikings are focused on developing him. “I would definitely like to keep him around,” coach Kevin O’Connell said regarding Hall after the Vikings’ preseason finale, via Seifert. “My philosophy when you’re going to draft a quarterback is you pour into him on a daily basis. ‘Development’ is a huge word, but I love the fact that we got him as many reps as we did this camp. I feel like Jaren has a really, really good understanding of our offense, where he can grow, where his comfort level can grow, and hopefully hit the ground running the next opportunity he gets. ..." As Profootballtalk.com suggests, by next year, the opportunity could be a big one. The Vikings and starter Kirk Cousins are embarking on the last year of his contract. The Vikings have no way to keep Cousins from hitting the open market, other than to re-sign him. Hall could be the future. For now, Hall apparently is the biggest reason why the Vikings didn’t pursue Lance.

8/26 According to NFL.com's Eric Edholm, Jaren Hall very good in preseason start. The Vikings rested most of their veterans Saturday against Arizona and gave the start to QB Jaren Hall, who played the entire game. Hall finished the first half 10-for-16 passing for 127 yards with a TD pass, plus 20 yards rushing, having led three scoring drives (two TDs and a field goal). It was a nice showing for the fifth-round pick trying to make the roster in what could be Kirk Cousins' final season in Minnesota. Hall got hot early in the two-minute drive before the half, hitting five straight passes, before misfiring twice and taking a sack (one of three in the first half) at the Arizona 5-yard line. It was a slightly disappointing end to an otherwise strong half, showing Hall has work to do but also some promise. ... Rookie Dewayne McBride had a rushing touchdown for the Vikings, who didn’t play a single projected starter for the second straight week and even rested most of the backups who’ve solidified spots. ... Greg Joseph, whose job was secured last week when undrafted rookie Jack Podlesny was cut, made his first 10 kicks this preseason until a 54-yard attempt that would’ve put the Vikings back in front went wide right with 2:23 remaining. ... The Vikings host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their regular-season opener on Sept. 10. You can access complete stats for Saturday's Week 3 exhibition finale via our exclusive Fantasy BoxScore.

8/24 Rookie WR Jordan Addison has agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor speeding charge stemming from his July 20 citation for driving 140 mph on a local freeway, according to an agreement filed Wednesday with the Ramsey County District Court. As part of the agreement, a second charge of reckless driving will be dismissed. Addison agreed to pay a total of $686 in fines and fees. The plea will be presented for approval in a Sept. 19 hearing in front of Judge Maria Mitchell. ... Addison, the 23rd pick of the draft, was originally cited after a Minnesota State Patrol officer recorded him driving at high speeds east of St. Paul shortly after 3 a.m. He told the officer that he was trying to get home to address an emergency with his dog. In a subsequent statement, Addison said: "I made a mistake and used poor judgment. I recognize and own that. I am going to learn from this and not repeat the behavior. I am truly sorry."

8/24 N'Keal Harry won’t be part of the receiving corps in Minnesota this season. The Vikings announced Harry’s release on Thursday morning. Harry was a 2019 first-round pick in New England and he made minimal contributions to the Patriots offense over his first three seasons. He was traded to the Bears last July and appeared in seven games. Harry had seven catches for 116 yards and a touchdown in Chicago. He had 57 catches for 598 yards and four touchdowns during his time with the Patriots.

8/22 T.J. Hockenson sat out most of practice Wednesday because of what the team attributed to lower back stiffness. ... As ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert reminded readers, Hockenson missed the majority of camp drills during the previous three weeks because of an ear infection that he said affected his equilibrium. That condition has resolved itself, coach Kevin O'Connell said Wednesday, but Hockenson "very recently" reported his back symptoms to the Vikings' medical staff. O'Connell classified Hockenson's absence as "day-to-day" and did not rule out a return to the field as early as Thursday's joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals, but such a quick return seems unlikely. "We're at that time," O'Connell said, "where we just want to be smart with guys we know we're going to be relying on and make sure that their preparation for [the regular season] is what we want. ..." Hovering over the pair of reported ailments is Hockenson's contract status. He is entering the final year of his original rookie deal, which the Vikings have been eager to extend after acquiring him via trade last season from the Detroit Lions. But there has been little progress in talks. O'Connell was asked Wednesday whether he was certain that Hockenson's absence was related to the injuries and not to his contract. "My dialogue with T.J. in regards to his training camp, or whatever that's looked like, has really been about the ear infection first," O'Connell said, "and working through that, and some of his [rehab] work kind of popped up to maybe cause some lower back stiffness. ... He has not indicated to me one time that it is about that [contract status]. ..." Hockenson was asked earlier this week whether his contract status was affecting his absence from practice. "No, that's not my focus," he said. "My focus is to be out here with these guys on Sept. [10] and be ready for September and be ready for game days on Sunday."

8/23 According to Pro Football Talk, Vikings rookie WR Jordan Addison has reportedly cleared the concussion protocol.

8/21 According to Profootballtalk.com, TE T.J. Hockenson’s limited practice workload was a topic of conversation again on Monday. Hockenson has not been doing any team work since the start of camp and he said last week that his equilibrium has been off because of an ear infection. Hockenson said the condition was improving and he said on Monday that he’s still “taking it day by day” and wants to be out there as a full participant. There has been speculation that Hockenson’s contract might also factor into his workload. Hockenson is in the final year of his rookie deal and he was asked if that’s contributed to his limited schedule. “No, that’s not my focus,” Hockenson said, via Tyler Forness of USAToday.com. “My focus is to be out here with these guys September 9th or whatever it is, be ready for September and be ready for gameday on Sundays. ...” Hockenson said that he “doesn’t really know” where things stand in terms of contract talks because he leaves that to his agent. However things play out, the Vikings offense will look better with Hockenson in it on a full-time basis.

8/20 ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert notes that most NFL teams would be in trouble if their entire second-team offensive line had to start a regular-season game, and the Vikings are no exception. Put simply, their offense put on an ugly performance against the Titans Saturday night behind the second line, leaving quarterback Nick Mullens to take a beating amid a series of unblocked or poorly blocked pass-rushers. Most concerning was the performance of swing tackle Oli Udoh, who gave up sacks on consecutive plays in the second quarter and also had flags thrown against him on two other plays. Again, offensive line depth is a crisis around the league. But Udoh's performance was especially concerning, as he would be the likely starter if right tackle Brian O'Neill's recovery from an Achilles injury hits a snag.

8/18 According to Pro Football Talk, the Vikings have signed XFL QB Jordan Ta'amu

8/16 Following up on the previous item. ... HC Kevin O'Connell said rookie first-round pick WR Jordan Addison is in the concussion protocol but could return as early as Monday.

8/16 According to EPSN.com's Kevin Seifert, Jordan Addison did not practice today because he is in the concussion protocol following a fall in practice earlier this week, Kevin O’Connell said. “Minor” symptoms, O’Connell said, and a potential return next Monday.

8/14 Tight end T.J. Hockenson has been limited in practices this summer because of an illness and he shared some details about what he’s been going through on Monday. Hockenson has not been doing any team or contact work because of an ear infection that has affected his equilibrium. He has been able to do walkthroughs and other light work and said on Monday that the issue is “starting to get cleared up.” Hockenson told ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert, “I want to be out there with the boys, obviously. My favorite thing is playing football with the guys in the locker room and having a great time with them. So it stinks, but on the same hand I’ve got to get ready for September. And that’s what I’m looking forward to. ...” The Vikings will have joint practices with the Titans this week and Hockenson said he didn’t know if he’ll do more work during those sessions, but having him for the start of the regular season will be the main focus in Minnesota.

8/11 Running back Kareem Hunt’s free agency tour is continuing with a stop in the NFC North. Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, Hunt is visiting with the Vikings on Friday. Minnesota is planning to start Alexander Mattison at running back this season after releasing Dalvin Cook in the summer. But even with the club having Ty Chandler, DeWayne McBride, Kene Nwangwu and Abram Smith at the position, Hunt would add a veteran presence. Hunt has visited the Saints and Colts this week. In 17 games for the Browns last season, he rushed for 468 yards with three touchdowns and caught 35 passes for 210 yards with a TD.

8/11 With Dalvin Cook gone from the Vikings, it’s assumed that Alexander Mattison will assume Cook’s role. But Mattison could have plenty of help. Running back Ty Chandler could have a much bigger role this year. He got off to a solid start in the preseason opener, against the Seahawks. “I thought Ty Chandler jumped out,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters after the game. “Just any time he had the ball in his hands, very rarely tackled by the first defender that was in space. Catching the ball. And then picked up really where he left off as far as his ability when the lights come on to sometimes turn into a different guy. Now I want to see it every single day and really see him be consistent, because he’s proven when it goes live and it’s real football, he’s a tough guy to bring to the ground. ...” Chandler had 41 yards on 11 carries, plus another 29 receiving yards on four catches. As Profootballtalk.com notes, a thumb injury wiped out most of the rookie season for Chandler, a fifth-round pick who played at Tennessee and North Carolina. He brings sub-4.4. speed to the table, and he gives the Vikings a potentially potent weapon in both the running game and passing game.

8/10 According to Minneapolis Star-Tribune staffer Andrew Krammer, with two weeks of practices notched, Jordan Addison, the 23rd overall pick out of USC, is gaining confidence in the playbook, his role and his teammates — many of whom have talked up Addison's natural talent and potential to expand the Vikings' aerial attack. Addison didn't hesitate to express how ready he is for Thursday night, when the Vikings open the preseason in Seattle. Head coach Kevin O'Connell will likely rest many starters, but he said Addison will play. How many snaps is to be determined. "I'm so excited," Addison said. "I'm ready to go. I'm trying to get in that box [end zone]." Krammer went on to point out the first two weeks of training camp have really been Addison's first with the Vikings. An injury suffered in rookie minicamp in May sidelined him all spring. When camp began in late July, his return to the field was overshadowed by his citation for reckless driving and speeding on Interstate 94 in St. Paul a few days before. But the Vikings have supported him and are now focused on how he's executing the playbook. O'Connell has liked what he has seen from the rookie, particularly when it comes to run blocking. Quarterback Kirk Cousins said Addison is a "natural" at tracking and catching the ball. That's been evident during training camp practices, including Monday when Addison made another toe-dragging grab, this time at the pylon for a touchdown during goal-line passing drills. ... Addison is listed at 175 pounds — he weighed 173 pounds in March at the NFL Scouting Combine — making him the lightest player on the Vikings roster. But he doesn't intend for inexperience or weight to hinder him. Asked about O'Connell's praise for him as a willing run blocker, Addison referenced his own size. "Just to show people I don't shy away from nothing," he said. "They already count me out just because they think I'm too small, so I'm just showing the smallest guys be the toughest."

8/10 According to multiple reporters (via NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal), tight end T.J. Hockenson has sat out team drills in recent days despite being suited up. Meanwhile, reporter Judd Zulgad mentioned on his Purple Daily Podcast that Hockenson having a genial conversation with ownership on the sideline while watching the team's night practices. The podcast threw the observation into a segment called "Reckless Speculation," but Rosenthal contends the following is not that reckless: "This is the behavior of a player about to sign a long-term contract," Rosenthal wrote. "Hockenson will be my top free-agent tight end for 2024 if he doesn't sign a deal by the time I release my first list."NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal

8/08 According to ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert, T.J. Hockenson has missed practice because of an illness but will start ramping back up. Previous reporting speculated that Hockenson's absence might be contract related. We'll continue watching for more on this one. ... Meanwhile, RB Kene Nwangwu is still working off to the side.

8/08 The Vikings released running back Dalvin Cook this summer, opening the door to Cook's longtime backup Alexander Mattison. This move was likely foreshadowed by Mattison's new contract, a deal which included $6.35 million in full guarantees over the next few seasons. Mattison is expected to take over as the team's primary tailback, with 2022 backups Kene Nwangwu and Ty Chandler -- and possibly rookie DeWayne McBride -- competing for the No. 2 role. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said during organized team activities that Mattison has been demonstrating "that all-three-down kind of ownership that he's been capable of for a long time. ..." Cook carried at least 249 times in each of the past four seasons. According to Star-Tribune staffer Ben Goessling, Mattison might not see that heavy of a workload. More than one-quarter of the Vikings' rushing attempts went for no gain or lost yardage last season, and O'Connell spoke frequently throughout the offseason about his hopes for a more efficient run game. If the Vikings can gain positive yardage more consistently, they hope they'll put quarterback Kirk Cousins in more favorable third-down situations and keep him out of pressure. Mattison posted better efficiency numbers than Cook did a year ago, and even if the Vikings might miss Cook's ability to create the kinds of big plays that helped spark comeback wins against the Bills and Colts last year, OC Wes Phillips believes the team can be just as productive if it is more consistent. In an offense featuring Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Addison, efficiency might be enough.

Team Review
Fantasy Grade: B+
The Minnesota Vikings won 13 games and the NFC North last year, largely because of an offense that was seventh in the league in yards and eighth in points scored. That offense has no shortage of firepower again in 2023 — including the potential No. 1 overall pick in many PPR leagues.
That first overall pick is wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who continued his three-year onslaught with over 125 receptions and over 1,600 yards in 2022. Matt T of Rotoballer believes that Jefferson is the best bet as the first player off draft boards this summer. "Jefferson is as safe of a No. 1 fantasy pick as one can ask for," he said. 'in PPR leagues in 2022, Jefferson was the ultimate week-winner, posting an insane seven games with at least 30 fantasy points. He has reached at least 1,400 receiving yards in each of his three NFL seasons while last season he led the league in recep-tions, receiving yards, and receiving yards per game. While the running back position continues to be an issue when it comes to injuries, Jefferson has never missed a game in his career. The consistent excellence that Jefferson delivers on a weekly basis will more than offset passing up on a first-round RB."
Adam Thielen left the Vikings in free agency, but Minnesota quickly replaced the veteran by expending their first pick in 2023 on USC's Jordan Addison. There could be an adjustment period as Addison acclimates to the NFL, but the youngster is talented and will benefit from playing opposite Jefferson. The Vikings also have a tight did in T.J. Hockenson who led all NFC tight ends in fantasy points over the second half of last season.
The Vikings' backfield was one of the more confusing in the NFL until the first week of June, when the club released Dalvin Cook. From the moment the Vikings re-upped Alexander Mattison, the belief was that Cook's days in Minnesota were numbered. Reports swirled that he could be traded, but efforts to move Cook ultimately failed resulting in his release. That leaves Mattison as the primary weapon out of the backfield which puts him in RB2 territory for fantasy managers.
The future of quarterback Kirk Cousins isn't any more certain after 2023, but this year at least the 34-year-old will again be Minnesota's starter, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensati expressed confidence in Cousins, at least in the short-term.
"Kirk doesn't need to show anything to me," Adofo-Mensah said Saturday night. "Kirk has played football at a high level before I got to the Minnesota Vikings. Last year, we won 13 games. I don't know what he would need to prove to me or anybody else.'

2023 Off-Season News & Views
Click here for Complete set of News & Views
Vikings Announce T.J. Hockenson Suffered Season-Ending Torn ACL Minnesota Vikings
(12/26 2:28 PT)

The Facts:
HC Kevin O'Connell announced that Hockenson suffered a season-ending ACL and MCL injury. Reported by Vikings.com

Diehards Line:
This is obviously not the news we were hoping for. Time will tell if Hockenson is able to be ready for the start of the 2024 season. A brutal injury for the Vikings and fantasy managers.

Profile

Update: T.J. Hockenson (Knee) Ruled Out Minnesota Vikings
(12/24 2:2 PT)

The Facts:
Following up on a previous item, The Vikings have ruled out TE T.J. Hockenson with a knee injury. Reported by NFL.com

Diehards Line:
The Vikings will now be without Hockenson and Addison for the rest of this game.

Profile

Hockenson to the Medical Tent Minnesota Vikings
(12/24 1:52 PT)

The Facts:
Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson is in the medical tent due to a knee injury. Reported by NFL.com

Diehards Line:
We will provide more information as it becomes available.

Profile

Jordan Addison (Ankle) Questionable to Return Minnesota Vikings
(12/24 1:41 PT)

The Facts:
Vikings WR Jordan Addison is questionable to return today with an ankle injury. Reported by Twitter.com

Diehards Line:
Addison went to the medical tent during Sunday's game after a play where QB Nick Mullens through an Interception, per Tom Pelissero.

Profile

Justin Jefferson Walks to the Locker Room Minnesota Vikings
(12/10 2:46 PT)

The Facts:
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson was seen walking to the locker room halfway through the second-quarter vs the Raiders. Reported by NFL.com

Diehards Line:
Receivers Jordan Addison and KJ Osborn should receive more targets while Jefferson is out.

Profile

Josh Dobbs Will Get Another Start For Vikings Minnesota Vikings
(12/6 11:59 PT)

The Facts:
Following up on this week's Team Notes. ... The Vikings are sticking with Dobbs as their starting QB this week against the Raiders. Reported by FootballDiehards.com

Diehards Line:
The team mulled a possible change over the bye. But with All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson back this week, Dobbs finally gets to play with full weaponry. ... We'll have more when Late-Breaking Updates crank up early Thursday.

Profile

Vikings Activating Justin Jefferson From IR, As Expected Minnesota Vikings
(11/28 1:19 PT)

The Facts:
According to multiple reports, the Vikings are activating Jefferson from Injured Reserve today, and he'll play after the bye. Reported by FootballDiehards.com

Diehards Line:
That's been the expectation all along -- certainly after he was not up for Monday night's game against the Bears. We'll continue to watch for more, but expect Jefferson to be ready post bye for the Dec. 10 game at Las Vegas. Jefferson injured his right hamstring Oct. 8, and the Vikings opened his window return to practice Nov. 8. The team has slowly ramped up his exertion levels over the past three weeks, but Jefferson has not fully participated in a practice. That will change as Week 14 draws nearer.

Profile

Report: Justin Jefferson Won't Be Activated Vs. Bears Minnesota Vikings
(11/27 11:22 PT)

The Facts:
Jefferson will not be activated for Monday's game against the Bears.  Reported by NFL.com

Diehards Line:
This according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, who noted Jefferson is “very close” to returning from his hamstring injury. Multiple reports beyond Pelissero are suggesting the same. The Vikings have a Week 13 bye and Jefferson is expected to be 100 percent when they take on Las Vegas in Week 14.

Profile

Report: Jefferson Unlikely To Play Week 12 Minnesota Vikings
(11/26 8:50 PT)

The Facts:
Despite Jefferson being listed as questionable for Monday night's game against Chicago, the Minnesota Vikings will exercise caution with their standout wide receiver Monday night and he is considered unlikely to play, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Reported by ESPN.com

Diehards Line:
Minnesota has a bye next week and the belief is that Jefferson is expected to be ready post bye for the Dec. 10 game at Las Vegas, the source says. Jefferson said this week that he had run full speed at certain points in practice, and coach Kevin O'Connell said Saturday that Jefferson "took part in some team reps." Jefferson said Friday that sitting out against the Bears is "definitely not something I want to do" but added that being patient "comes with the game, it comes with trying to be healthy, trying to be 100 percent and [following] the safe route." Ultimately, Jefferson said, "we're going to weigh the options correctly, making sure that I'm feeling well and prepared to play a game, and if I'm feeling good I will play."

Profile

Justin Jefferson Considered Questionable For Week 12 Minnesota Vikings
(11/20 3:28 PT)

The Facts:
Jefferson has not played since Oct. 8 when he injured his right hamstring in a game against the Chiefs. He has practiced the past two weeks on a limited basis but was questionable for the past two games and didn’t play. HC Kevin O’Connell said Jefferson is considered questionable for Monday Night Football, too. Reported by Profootballtalk.com

Diehards Line:
“I know he had a really good week last week,” O’Connell said, via Alec Lewis of The Athletic. “We’ll have an extra day this week. ... As of right now, I view him as questionable for the football game.” As PFT suggests, the Vikings want to “be smart” with the soft-tissue injury, something Jefferson himself said he would do. Jefferson noted that hamstring injuries can linger and come back, so he won’t push to return until the leg is fully healed. The Vikings have their off week in Week 13, so Week 14 could be the first time the team sees Jefferson back on the field.

Profile


Click here for earlier off-season items
Depth Chart
QB: Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, Sam Darnold
RB: Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler, C.J. Ham, Kene Nwangwu, Cam Akers
WR: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, Brandon Powell, Jalen Nailor
TE: Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse, T.J. Hockenson
PK:

FA Signings
PlayerPosNewOld
Joseph, GregPKMINMIN
Mattison, AlexanderRBMINMIN
Mullens, NickQBMINMIN
Oliver, JoshTEMINBAL
Powell, BrandonWRMINLAR
Smith Jr., IrvTECINMIN
Thielen, AdamWRCARMIN

Pick2023 Draft Selections
1 23 Jordan Addison (WR)
3 39 Mekhi Blackmon (CB)
4 32 Jay Ward (S)
5 7 Jaquelin Roy (DL)
5 30 Jaren Hall (QB)
7 5 DeWyne McBride (RB)

2023 Minnesota Vikings Schedule
WKDAYMATCHUP
1Sun. Buccaneers @ Vikings
2Thur. Vikings vs Eagles
3Sun. Chargers @ Vikings
4Sun. Vikings vs Panthers
5Sun. Chiefs @ Vikings
6Sun. Vikings vs Bears
7Mon. 49ers @ Vikings
8Sun. Vikings vs Packers
9Sun. Vikings vs Falcons
10Sun. Saints @ Vikings
11Sun. Vikings vs Broncos
12Mon. Bears @ Vikings
13BYE
14Sun. Vikings vs Raiders
15Sun. Vikings vs Bengals
16Sun. Lions @ Vikings
17Sun. Packers @ Vikings
18Sun. Vikings vs Lions