New MN Vikings Out with Long-Term Injuries

The Minnesota Vikings didn’t have a ton of draft capital this season. That means they need to get the most out of the five players they did select. A lot of that responsibility will fall on first round guard, Donovan Jackson. He’s expected to start on the left side of the offensive line week one, and impressed early in camp.

But general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his front office need to get value out of their late round picks too. So far, third-rounder Tai Felton is a lock to make the team and sixth rounder Kobe King has garnered some attention too.

Gavin Bartholomew will miss real time for Minnesota Twins

Unfortunately, it isn’t all good news on the draftee front. See the Vikings’ other 6th round pick, tight end Gavin Bartholomew, out of Pitt. Minnesota drafted him in hopes that he’d compete for a roster spot immediately.

According to Darren Wolfson (KSTP) on SKOR North Tuesday, the 6’4″ 260 pound freak athlete, who suffered a back injury shortly after being drafted, will not be ready anytime near week one of the 2025 regular season.

“If you want to talk long term, Gavin Bartholomew. Who I don’t think was going to be a big part of their September plans. If you had asked me in early-June, ok early 53-man roster projection, I would have told you…he makes the roster. He is not going to be ready in September…Gavin Bartholomew I am told, is a long-term injury.

Darren Wolfson – Skor North

Related: Minnesota Vikings Add More Pass-Catching Help

As Wolfson noted, there’s no reason to believe a sixth round pick was going to be a key part of the offense. That said, the Vikings don’t have a Nick Muse-type around anymore, and depth is necessary. Bartholomew’s injury is likely why veteran Nick Vannett was brought in, as well.

In his senior season at Pitt, Bartholomew hauled in 38 passes for 322 yards and found paydirt four times. This back injury certainly isn’t the way Minnesota’s rookie wanted to start his professional career. Now behind the eight ball, he’ll need to get healthy and then climb a mountain to get back into the 53-man conversation.

Matt Nelson out long term for MN Vikings

Just last week the MN Vikings signed offensive lineman Matt Nelson as additional depth up front. The line is a place where Minnesota has spent considerable money this offseason. Unfortunately he’s done before he’ll ever get started.

Unfortunate news for #Vikings OL Matt Nelson after he just signed last week: Told he suffered a biceps tear last night. https://t.co/La319Hya2S

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) August 6, 2025

After spending four seasons in Detroit, and being out of the league last year, Nelson is dealing with even more adversity. A torn biceps will require surgery and certainly a significant amount of time on the shelf.

It’s probable that he doesn’t see action at all this season. He’ll be looking for another opportunity in 2026 as a 30-year-old.