Plenty of emphasis will be placed upon how key offensive players like quarterback J.J. McCarthy and left tackle Christian Darrisaw look. Both are returning from injury and are key pieces if Kevin O’Connell’s team is going to compete.

Brian Flores is back to coach the defense though, and his unit can take another step forward. The front seven has been lauded as the best in the business, but there is opportunity for other names to earn some additional playing time.

Dallas Turner (22 years old) – Oustide Linebacker

The biggest and most prominent name on this list is 2024 first round pick Dallas Turner. Minnesota traded back up into the first round to grab the Alabama edge rusher. He played in 16 games for Brian Flores as a rookie, but he largely got lost in an otherwise impressive edge rushing rotation.

It’s unlikely that Turner is going to unseat either Jonathan Greenard (12.0 sacks) or Andrew Van Ginkel (11.5 sacks) this season. What he must do is take the next step forward and be an infinitely larger part of the defense.

Dallas Turner #Skol big year 2 otw pic.twitter.com/kqLt3NOAVc

— PassRushDiary🦅 (@PassRushDiary) July 15, 2025

Patrick Jones II had the third-most sacks for Minnesota last season with seven. He departed in free agency and Turner should be eyeing an opportunity to step up. Jones recorded 459 defensive snaps last season (46%) while Turner had just 300 (28%). There’s no reason he can’t convert more of his special teams usage into regular defensive rotations.

Related: MN Vikings Superstar Wide Receiver is Out of Action

There were plenty of points during his rookie campaign that questions arose regarding Turner being a bust. It was premature for that, but he’ll have to put together a strong camp if he wants to start separating in year two.

Dwight McGlothern (23 years old) – Cornerback

If there’s still a position to be weary of on the Minnesota Vikings roster it’s the cornerback position. Byron Murphy Jr. is back and Isaiah Rodgers is an upside play to replace Stephon Gilmore. Shaq Griffin is gone though, and there wasn’t an external replacement brought in.

The Vikings do get a healthy Mekhi Blackmon back after his season ending knee injury last year. It’s McGlothern though that could look to parlay his intriguing year one into more playing time.

Curious to see the jump #Vikings CB Dwight McGlothern Jr. makes here in season No. 2. pic.twitter.com/n9lRO7xm1B

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 17, 2025

McGlothern was a training camp darling after going undrafted out of Arkansas last year. Ultimately it led to action in just five games and he tallied only 19 defensive snaps. At 6’2″ 185 pounds, McGlothern has ideal size for the position. If he can harness the movements, coverages, and overall scheme there may be something special developing.

Related: 3 Underrated MN Vikings to Watch at Training Camp

Minnesota brought in veteran Jeff Okudah as a depth addition as well. He has failed to live up to his former third overall pick pedigree in three different stops now. If McGlothern wants to make a name for himself, there’s a guy to leapfrog.

Bo Richter (24 years old) – Outside Linebacker

Someone has to account for the snaps that are vacated by the Patrick Jones II departure. Ideally that would be Dallas Turner, but you can bet that Bo Richter isn’t going to hand it over easily.

Richter went undrafted out of Air Force last season but appeared in 14 games for the Minnesota Vikings. He made one start and recorded a fumble recovery. Although he didn’t grab a sack he had eight total tackles on just 29 defensive snaps.

Skor North’s Phil Mackey spoke high praise of both Richter and fellow undrafted talent Gabriel Murphy. He doesn’t see either of these two talents as just fun stories anymore.

"I think Bo Richter and Gabe Murphy are gonna ascend beyond the Mr. Mankato discussion and be meaningful, impactful players for the actual regular season defense."

– @PhilMackey has high expectations for Bo Richter and Gabe Murphy beyond #Vikings training camp. #SKOL pic.twitter.com/vDZUvQsrKX

— SKOR North – Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) July 21, 2025

“I think either Bo Richter or Gabe Murphy will finish above Dallas Turner, Andrew Van Ginkel, or Jonathan Greenard in edge rusher sacks for the Vikings this year. I legitimately think that one of these guys is going to break, it’s kind of a battle between the two of them for that fourth edge rusher spot…Based on their college pedigree, based on the things they showed their first camp a year ago, and based on the opening behind those three guys. Patrick Jones feasted. Patrick Jones had a bunch of sacks playing off of the other edge rushers. That spot is open for business and I think Bo Richter and Gabe Murphy are going to ascend beyond the Mr. Mankato watch list discussion and be meaningful, impactful players for the actual regular season defense.”

Phil Mackey – Skor North

Similar to McGlothern, Richter was a camp and preseason darling last season. He and fellow undrafted talent Murphy both oozed with tools that look like they can be developed. It will be interesting to see how the pairing comes out in year two, and how much of a step forward they have taken.

Taki Taimani (25 years old) – Nose Tackle

There has been nothing more noticeable on defense for the Vikings in recent seasons than their inability to control the interior line. That was addressed this offseason with the additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Harrison Phillips is also back to assume the nose tackle spot.

If there’s a guy that can try to work into that rotation though, or be there in case of injury, it’s Taki Taimani. He appeared in just seven games as a rookie and recorded only 70 defensive snaps. He spent the final ten games of the season on injured reserve. Each of the new additions come with injury concerns, and someone has to be ready.

Taimani is with the MN Vikings on a three-year deal and he is coming into camp with a clean bill of health. He has an uphill battle to climb with the talent in front of him, but he should separate from draft pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins or veteran Jalen Redmond.

Related: MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?

The Vikings having a stout defensive front for the first time in what seems like forever is a great thing. They still need people to step up in rotation and reserve spots.

T.J. Hockenson has not yet played this season for the Vikings, but he seemed very close to being ready on Sunday against Detroit. With the Vikings now deciding to move on from veteran Robert Tonyan it appears they have tipped their hand at the skill position.

Bo Richter paves way for Minnesota Vikings T.J. Hockenson

Last weekend the Vikings squared off against T.J. Hockenson’s former Detroit Lions team. It would have made sense for him to be active and make an impact on the game. Instead, Kevin O’Connell and the powers that be decided to keep him out. Robert Tonyan was released on Tuesday, promoting Bo Richter to the active roster, and making it certain that Hockenson will return.

Bo Richter SZN!

The #Vikings have signed Richter to the active roster and released TE Robert Tonyan pic.twitter.com/aPyRoHaZFw

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 22, 2024

The Vikings starting tight end has been out since Lions defensive back Kerby Joseph took him out on a dirty hit last season. Minnesota jumped out to a 5-1 record in 2024 to set themselves off on a good for. O’Connell getting Hockenson back into the starting lineup is hardly a bad thing, and quarterback Sam Darnold immediately gets a boost.

Richter flashed during the preseason and can be a difference maker on defense. It remains to be seen what sort of run he will generate in the short term. You can bet that Hockenson quickly becomes a focal point of the offense, however.

Related: Rumors are Flying that Vikings are in Serious Trade Talks with Rams for Matthew Stafford

What does T.J. Hockenson bring to the Minnesota Vikings?

The reality is that the Minnesota Vikings never had a replacement for T.J. Hockenson. That shouldn’t be a shock given his Pro Bowl-caliber ability. Hockenson is an adept talent in all facets of the tight end position. He can block, lead, and catch. He’ll quickly be a focal point of the offense moving forward.

Unbelievable catch by T.J. Hockenson. Wow. pic.twitter.com/0PpENaNGaQ

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) December 24, 2022

In his absence the Vikings have relied on blocking tight end Josh Oliver, and veteran backup Johnny Mundt. Hockenson can accomplish both of their traits at a higher level, and immediately transform the Vikings offense. Darnold has proven capable to this point, but the additional of a talent like Hockenson only takes him further forward.

Darnold has developed a chemistry with receivers like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He believes that Aaron Jones can generate first downs. He’ll now be able to learn on Hockenson’s ability to contribute as well, and that will take the Minnesota offense to an entirely new level.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Seriously Considering a Move to Dalton Risner

As the Vikings look to rebound from their first loss of the season, getting healthier is hardly a bad thing. Hockenson is the first step in that path forward, and whatever Bo Richter can do as a replacement becomes a nice caveat.

Aaron Jones, TJ Hockenson and Dalton Risner were all questionable entering the weekend. And while neither Hock or Risner are mandated to come off the PUP list today, both guys made it clear earlier in the week that they thought it was possible.

Minnesota Vikings rule TJ Hockenson, Dalton Risner both OUT

But it didn’t happen. On Saturday afternoon, both Risner and Hockenson were ruled OUT for Sunday’s noon contest vs the Lions. Robert Tonyan has been signed to the roster, to add tight end depth vs TJ’s old team.

Related: Friday Minnesota Vikings Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out vs Lions?

Meanwhile, Jones went from ‘oh god, how long is he going to be out’ just a few days ago, to a guy who is all set to be active and in the starting lineup tomorrow. And all of this coming off of a bye week. In other moves, the Vikings waived wide receiver Trishton Jackson and elevated two players off the practice squad.

Jalen Redmond, Bo Richter called up off the practice squad vs the Detroit Lions

One of those practice squad call-ups is DL Jalen Redmond, who was waived and then signed back to the practice squad earlier this week. EDGE Bo Richter, who has been a regular practice squad elevation over the first five games, will also be active.

The #Vikings have announced the following roster moves

– Signed TE Robert Tonyan to the 53-man roster

– Waived WR Trishton Jackson

– Elevated DL Jalen Redmond and OLB Bo Richter to the active roster for tomorrow's game

– Downgraded TE T.J. Hockenson and G Dalton Risner to OUT pic.twitter.com/BfPeWTW6uz

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 19, 2024

TJ Hockenson’s new status for Sunday is not a surprise. Local and national insiders have both had him all but ruled out this entire week. Again, this all points to injury report gamesmanship, which the NFL is trying to get rid of.

Lots of things to watch after today’s roster moves

Clearly, the Minnesota Vikings knew that TJ Hockenson wasn’t going to play vs the Lions. Somebody was feeding that information to every insider who hit the pager button. Yet, he was listed all week as “limited” in practice and then hit the final Friday injury report as “Questionable”.

Related: Former Minnesota Vikings EDGE Welcomes Revenge Factor NFC North Trade Rumors

What’s also worth monitoring is the situation with Dalton Risner. Earlier this week, the 29-year-old former Bronco made it very clear that he was 100% healthy and ready to go. Not only that, but he stated multiple times while interviewing with media that he’s been ready to go.

"I'm comfortable at right and left, whatever guard position it is, truly whatever position they want me to play I'm ready to go."

– #Vikings Guard Dalton Risner

📽️ @Vikings pic.twitter.com/xyyRdtALHa

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 15, 2024

It almost sounded like he was trying to secretly report a hostage situation. Yet, when today’s status report dropped… Risner was listed as OUT. Why?

That’s something we will have to wait to get the answer on, but if Dalton Risner isn’t injured anymore then why isn’t he being activated. There’s no doubt he has to be unhappy with today’s roster announcement. And don’t forget… the trade deadline is just a few weeks away.

The #Vikings have elevated OLB Bo Richter and TE Robert Tonyan to the active roster for tomorrow's game. pic.twitter.com/BrvuB45IaV

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 28, 2024

Minnesota Vikings activate Bo Richter vs Green Bay Packers

Bo Richter is a 2024 undrafted free agent, and someone who stuck out early during offseason workouts. During the Vikings preseason, the former Air Force phenom managed 3 tackles and 2 sacks on 86 total defensive snaps. He scored a 66.7 preseason defensive grade at PFF, including a 77.9 run defense grade.

Related: 4 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Vikings’ Week 4 Matchup vs Packers

Last week, Richter got some run with the Minnesota Vikings defense. He logged 13 total snaps, and nabbed one defensive tackle. His 57.1 PFF grade wasn’t very good, but his time on the field was limited. Not to mention, it was his NFL debut. Bo also logged 17 snaps on special teams, grading out at a very respectable 73.5, according to PFF.

As a senior at Air Force in 2023, Bo Richter logged 45 tackes, including 20 tackles for loss, which led the entire country. Out of those 20 TFLs, 10 were sacks. The Vikings really like this kid, and for good reason, Not only can he rush the passer, but he has proven to be a very good EDGE defender against the run, too. Oh, and his teammate skills are on point.

I need Bo Richter on this defense, man! pic.twitter.com/eNIa8jqZD3

— Bob Netherlands (@bobnetherlands) September 26, 2024

Former Packer, Robert Tonyan, also activated

Camp injuries put an end to what was a very exciting start to Vikings workouts for Robert Tonyan, late this summer. The former Packer will now be active for the second straight week. This time, against his former team. Tonyan has proven himself as a good tight end, in the right situation.

Related: 3 Keys To A Minnesota Vikings Victory Over the Green Bay Packers

In six NFL seasons the 30-year-old former Indiana State Sycamore has totalled 1,549 yards on 148 catches. In his best season (2020 with Aaron Rodgers), Tonyan caught 52 of his 59 targets, for 586 yards (11.3 YPR) and 11 touchdowns. KOC loves the revenge narrative, so while he didn’t get on the field for an offensive snap in week 3, don’t be surprised if his head coach works Robert Tonyan in for a TD opportunity vs his former squad.

That’s why, in week 3, the Vikings will activate two practice squad players. It’ll be the first game day elevation this year, for rookie OLB Bo Richter and veteran TE Robert Tonyan.

The #Vikings have elevated OLB Bo Richter and TE Robert Tonyan to the active roster for tomorrow’s game. pic.twitter.com/mCikmuHRbV

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 21, 2024

Minnesota Vikings activate EDGE Bo Richter

Bo Richter was a fan favorite during Minnesota Vikings training camp, and the preseason, where he managed 3 tackles and 2 sacks on 86 total defensive snaps. He scored a 66.7 preseason defensive grade at PFF, including a 77.9 run defense grade.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Keys to Victory vs Houston Texans

In college, Richter was an animal at Air Force, especially as a senior in 2023, where he racked up 45 tackes, including 20 tackles for loss, which led the entire country. Out of those 20 TFLs, 10 were sacks. If Richter gets run on Sunday, I’d expect it to come on early downs, to help stop the run.

Bo Richter has been UNREAL. He has the best closing speed of any UDFA I’ve ever seen.

He will 100% make the Vikings’ 53-man roster after getting his 2nd sack here: pic.twitter.com/AorT8XPNdO

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) August 10, 2024

Vikings activate TE Robert Tonyan

Robert Tonyan was the talk of the town, when training camp first got going. Nobody could believe how good he looked, in the absence of TJ Hockenson. Some wondered if he would challenge for the starting job, while Hock continued his recovery from knee surgery.

Unfortunately, camp injury issues stopped that from ever blossoming into reality. But, he’ll be active vs the Texans. Tonyan has a history of productive tight end play, for division rival Green Bay. In six seasons in the NFL (5 with Packers), Tonyan posted 1,549 yards on 148 catches.

Related: 4 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Vikings’ Week 3 Matchup vs Texans

In 2020, with Aaron Rodgers as his QB, the now 30-year-old out of Indiana State caught 52 of his 59 targets, for 586 yards (11.3 YPR) and 11 touchdowns. If healthy, Robert absolutely adds another pass catcher to a tight end room that already has a couple. We’ll see if he gets any run, on Sunday.

Robert Tonyan extends the @Packers lead! #GoPackGo

📺: #MINvsGB on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/ePbCm6rlT4 pic.twitter.com/oREU3T5ESp

— NFL (@NFL) January 1, 2023

Which Minnesota Vikings roster moves were most surprising?

Kevin O’Connell begins his third season as the leader of the Minnesota Vikings. As he seeks to usher in a new era at the quarterback position, plenty of roster spots were in flux. The total contingent of the coaching staff found themselves responsible for roster decisions, but at least a few raised eyebrows.

Kene Nwangwu – Running Back

Minnesota opting against rostering Kene Nwangwu was certainly a surprise. The former fourth round pick carved out a role as a kick return specialist. This preseason he also flashed as a traditional running back. With the new kick return rules he seemed like someone who could shine. Minnesota clearly has other intentions there.

HOUSE CALL!

Kene Nwangwu goes 48 yards for the @Vikings TD!

📺: #LVvsMIN on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/4rloO6OlLM

— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024

Without Nwangwu in the fold, Minnesota has just a pair of running backs. Aaron Jones has previously dealt with injury and Ty Chandler doesn’t have a long track record of starting success. The Vikings likely have their eyes on another running back. That doesn’t mitigate the surprise of the Nwangwu cut.

Related: Final List of Minnesota Vikings Roster Cuts – 2024

Lewis Cine – Safety

It’s not at all surprising that Lewis Cine didn’t make the Vikings roster. It is at least somewhat surprising no trade partner emerged. Cine has played just ten defensive snaps during his career. Eight of them came last season. Despite being a first round pick, Cine has been a non-factor.

Lewis Cine Preseason Week 2:

🏈 11 total tackles
🏈 1 interception
🏈 1 pass breakup
🏈 1 sack
🏈 2 quarterback hits
🏈 1 tackle for loss
🏈 1 massive hit-stick

Led the Vikings defense in every statistic. pic.twitter.com/ZiQlzSnduv

— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) August 17, 2024

That said, he was showcased during the Cleveland Browns preseason game and showed out. The results against the Philadelphia Eagles were not as great, and could have soured suitors. Interest was there from multiple teams, but no deal ever materialized, and it’s hard to imagine what someone with so little value would have required.

Bo Richter – OLB

Of course Richter isn’t a household name. If you watched the preseason at all though, you saw him be a complete disruptor for the Vikings. Minnesota has overhauled the edge rusher position with Johnathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel taking over. Dallas Turner is a promising rookie and Brian Flores builds his defense on the pass rush. Richter could have been kept as depth.

Bo Richter recognizes the rollout and is in the QB's lap before he even turns around. Easy work on the sack for him because he read it right. pic.twitter.com/bBrbKl9UCK

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 19, 2024

It seems unlikely that Richter will make it to the practice squad, but he would be a candidate to keep around. Van Ginkel dealt with an injury this offseason. It could take Turner a bit of time to get up to speed. It would not be at all surprising to see Richter bringing down quarterbacks on Sunday’s this season.

Tyrese Robinson – OG

This may have been more of a shock had the Vikings not found a way to keep Dalton Risner around. Despite Ed Ingram and Blake Brandel winning the starting spots, the veteran was placed on IR with a designation to return. Risner could be back as soon as Week 5, and that gives O’Connell’s offensive line a safety blanket.

Tyrese Robinson and Michael Jurgens create a wide hole for Myles Gaskin to run through, and he hits it hard, well before the LB is able to get to him and into the second level of the defense. pic.twitter.com/b4oa1gtMAi

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 21, 2024

Robinson flashed during the preseason, and there was a time where he looked to challenge Ingram. The former LSU product has not solidified his starting spot. While it won’t be Robinson who takes over for him, it could be Risner down the line.

Related: Vikings Place Separate Injury Designations on TJ Hockenson and Stud UDFA Gabe Murphy

Cut down is now behind the Minnesota Vikings. Who they claim and how their practice squad fills out is up next.