But when they sent Marco Rossi out in that deal, rookie center Danila Yurov settled in as the team’s first line center, between fellow Russian Kirill Kaprizov and his best buddy, Mats Zuccarello. Meanwhile, the Wild’s best center, Joel Eriksson Ek, has been on the second line, between Matt Boldy and Marcus Johansson.

While the lineup shuffle has mostly worked so far, it’s become clear that the MN Wild need more talent up the middle if they really want to consider themselves legitimate Stanley Cup contenders.

Joel Eriksson Ek ruled out with day-to-day injury

But on Monday, the Wild got another painful reminder at just how desperate they really are for center talent, when Eriksson Ek left the game in Seattle early with an undisclosed injury.

Then Saturday evening, prior to Minnesota’s matchup back at Grand Casino Arena, head coach John Hynes met with reporters and revealed that the 28-year-old center has been ruled out for tonight’s return to home ice.

Joel Eriksson Ek is officially day-to-day, but Hynes did seem optimistic that the MN Wild’s veteran locker room leader and on-ice agitator is expected to return to the lineup sooner than later.

Hynes said Eriksson Ek still day to day, his injury considered minor. Will know more on Monday. Jones in. #mnwild. Gustavsson in net

— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) January 10, 2026

Joel Eriksson Ek is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, 45 games in. He needs just one more game to match his total games played from 2024-25. His 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) already stands as fourth-most in his career.

The 10-year NHL veteran needs to reach 64 points to match his career high, set back in 2023-24, when he appeared in 77 of the Wild’s 82 games.

Minnesota Wild planning much-needed trade for center help

The Wild may have the third-most points in hockey (60), entering tonight’s matchup back at home against the New York Islanders. But the two teams ahead of them, the Avs (71) and Stars (60) also play in the Central Division.

We all know the details of the Hughes trade by now. Minnesota sent the equivalent of four first round draft picks — including Zeev Buium and Rossi — to Vancouver, in exchange for the 26-year-old Hughes, who is widely considered the second-best defenseman in hockey.

Quinn Hughes with a long stretch pass to Joel Eriksson Ek who ties it back up 🚨 pic.twitter.com/K5OXesdoPM

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) January 4, 2026

But if they want to keep pace with Colorado — by far the most complete team in hockey — the MN wild will have to fix their issues up the middle before the March trade deadline.

And from everything we have heard recently, Guerin has found plenty of time between planning for the upcoming Olympic games next month, as the Team USA GM, to peruse the early NHL trade market for a top-line center.

Until they find it, the Minnesota Wild will depend on Yurov, Ryan Hartman and Nico Sturm to hold down the fort, along with Eriksson Ek when he returns. Thankfully, it sounds like that will happen in short order… we hope.

That’s not how reality unfolded, however. After the MN Vikings were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago, not even building on their current three-game win streak can save them.

To add injury to insult, JJ McCarthy is back on the shelf, this time recovering from a hairline fracture in his hand. So, instead of Vikings fans unwrapping a huge game with playoff implications on their TV, Christmas Day, they’ll get a mostly meaningless regular season game against Detroit.

A win would, however, end the (8-7) Lions’ hopes at making the playoffs. I, for one, would certainly feel a little bit better knowing Detroit fans will be living in the same non-playoff hell as us, come the new year.

Minnesota Vikings injury report sees SLIGHT change

And hanging in our stockings, Thursday afternoon will be coal Max Brosmer starting under center, protected by an offensive line without starters at LT, C and possibly RT, depending on the status of Brian O’Neill, who moved from “DNP” to “Limited” on the MN Vikings injury report Tuesday.

Tuesday's #Vikings injury report.

The team did not conduct an official practice so participation is an estimation. pic.twitter.com/R91ZADUOEm

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 23, 2025

In total, the Minnesota Vikings have 11 players listed on this week’s injury report. From Monday to Tuesday, only one player saw his designation change, and that was O’Neill. The rest, including four other DNP’s from yesterday, got the same designation today.

Out of those players who were limited or did not practice, eight are starters, if you include both Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones, who split carries out of Minnesota’s backfield.

Of those eight starters, two — the aforementioned JJ McCarthy (hand) and Ryan Kelly (concussion) — have already been ruled out vs Detroit. The MN Vikings also activated running back/kick return specialist, Ty Chandler off injured reserve Tuesday.

Brett Rypien claimed off waivers

Returning to help guide Brosmer the rest of this week is familiar NFL journeyman quarterback, Brett Rypien, Who the Vikings claimed off waivers Tuesday afternoon, around the same time they released the updated injury report.

The #Vikings have claimed QB Brett Rypien via waivers. pic.twitter.com/cxhUt3OxYb

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 23, 2025

Rypien became available after he was released by the Indianapolis Colts on Monday. That gave the Minnesota Vikings an easy opportunity to bring the 29-year-old veteran out of Boise State back to Eagan where he belongs.

Brett is valued inside the QB room at TCO Performance Center. Given their sudden depth issues at the most important position in sports, not only does he help provide more but his experience in the league will also help a young Max Brosmer be as prepared as possible for his second career.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Activate Young Running Back

It’s unlikely Brett Rypien — who has 11 appearances during his five-year NFL career — is active on Thursday, outside of being the emergency QB3. The expectation is that John Wolford will be Brosmer’s backup at U.S. Bank Stadium on Thursday.

If he does get forced into action for the Minnesota Vikings, whether it’s this week or next, Rypien would come in with 950 career passing yards (58.3% CMP), 4 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.

We found out officially on Tuesday that JJ McCarthy — who injured his hand on Sunday against the Giants — has a hairline fracture and will not play against Detroit. That means Max Brosmer will get his second NFL start… which can’t go any worse than his first.

The former Gopher played pretty well, in one full half of relief, following McCarthy’s exit. Not only did he protect the football, but Brosmer completed 7 of his 9 passes and lead the MN Vikings on a last-minute drive that finished in a game-winning Will Reichard field goal.

Minnesota Vikings running back room receives reinforcements

But quarterback isn’t the only position behind center dealing with key injuries. In the running back room, both heads of Minnesota’s two-headed monster — Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason — are dealing with ankle injuries they suffered over the weekend vs New York.

That made the timing of Ty Chandler’s activation off the injured list — which came Tuesday afternoon — incredibly convenient, especially being that Minnesota’s 2022 5th round pick hasn’t played since week one, when he injured his knee in Chicago.

The #Vikings have activated RB Ty Chandler from injured reserve. pic.twitter.com/5jwNLnzfTf

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 23, 2025

Not only will Ty Chandler, 27, help restock the Minnesota Vikings depth chart at running back, but he is a key figure on special teams, where he’s been one of several kick returners the team has cycled through since he was drafted.

Big couple of weeks for Ty Chandler and his football future

In total, Chandler has accrued 317 snaps on special teams during his four-year NFL career, and 472 on offense. If he could block better, who knows where Chandler would be on a fully-healthy Vikings depth chart.

Over his career, Ty Chandler has played 38 games in the NFL, racking up 164 rushing attempts for a total of 663 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has also caught 27 passes for another 201 yards.

Related: MN Vikings Shut Out of Pro Bowl in Historic Fashion

Chandler — who produced over 3,000 yards rushing and 30 total touchdowns in college between his time at Tennessee and North Carolina — is on the final year of his contract, meaning he has a lot riding on these next couple of games.

The final score reads 16-13, and it wasn’t the prettiest victory in franchise history. Still, there’s no doubt the Vikings thoroughly outplayed the Giants on Sunday afternoon, especially while redshirt rookie QB JJ McCarthy was on the field.

On the day, the 2024 No. 10 overall pick finished 9/14 passing for 108 yards, 1 INT and 1 rushing TD. Unfortunately, McCarthy’s 9th career start was cut short, after he injured his hand late in the second quarter out in New Jersey.

Latest on JJ McCarthy’s hand injury

The play happened toward the end of the first half, when he hit his hand on a the helmet of a Giants’ pass rusher. At halftime, JJ McCarthy underwent X-Rays. According to Twitter’s Dr. Chao (@ProFootballDoc), the Vikings’ initial concern was likely a metacarpal fracture.

#JJMcCarthy @Vikings
Play where he may have injured right hand
Worry for metacarpal fracture
Ruled OUT pic.twitter.com/E16JxblGc5

— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) December 21, 2025

Fortunately, JJ’s X-rays came back negative so he appears to have cleared that hurdle. However, the Vikings are not singing the good news from any frozen mountaintops of Minnesota or New Jersey.

Instead, beat reporter and insider Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) is being told by his sources that the MN Vikings’ medical staff is still concerned about ligament damage in his hand.

JJ McCarthy will get an MRI back in Eagan on Sunday night, but the feeling surrounding this situation is not good, as the team heads back northwest. So say your prayers tonight, Vikings fans.

Further tests on J.J. McCarthy's right hand will be used to determine whether the quarterback suffered any ligament damage, per source. Coach Kevin O’Connell said after the game he was unsure if McCarthy was able to grip the ball on the strip sack that ended his day.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 21, 2025

Related: Minnesota Vikings Trying to Keep Expiring Defensive Guru

I still have no doubt the Minnesota Vikings can win games with Max Brosmer as their quarterback, though it is worth wondering if he can do it with the offensive line in the state it’s in currently, especially after Ryan Kelly left Sunday’s game with a concussion.

Of course, winning wasn’t the top priority for this organization in 2025, entering Sunday. Most of the attention – from both in and outside of the organization — had turned to the raising and developing of McCarthy.

Minnesota Vikings head coach breaks down McCarthy injury

At the end of the day, winning in the future will be dictated by his ability to grow into a good NFL QB. Thus in order to forge a proper path forward this offseason, KOC, Kwesi and their scouting staff needed to get an extra-good look at their redshirt rookie in these last few games.

Now, it looks like that may not happen. When head coach Kevin O’Connell took to the postgame podium in East Rutherford this afternoon, he didn’t know the extent of his 22-year-old (almost 23) quarterback’s hand injury.

One thing is for certain, though, he didn’t sound overly optimistic about whatever the Vikings might figure out, as they continue to run these tests. The frustrated head coach did, however, do a pretty good job of explaining what happened, as he knew it.

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell didn't know everything there was to know about JJ McCarthy's injury after the game… but his memory is pretty incredible. pic.twitter.com/OMVffx0BZg

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) December 22, 2025

Starting center Ryan Kelly practiced in a limited fashion for the first time this week, as did right tackle, Brian O’Neill. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for their linemate, Christian Darrisaw, who was listed as a DNP for the second-straight day, along with DT Javon Hargrave.

Thursday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/Hagt76QySD

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 18, 2025

If we have learned anything this season, when it comes to Darrisaw’s weekly routine — as he continues his recovery from season-ending knee surgery last October — it’s that Wednesday is a non-negotiable non-practice day, whether he winds up playing that weekend or not.

The more telling injury report all season has been the second one, which is embedded above for week 16. So when Christian Darrisaw didn’t practice Thursday afternoon, it put his status for Sunday up in the air for the second-straight week.

Christian Darrisaw refuses to talk with reporters

Naturally, MN Vikings reporters approached CD in the locker room after practice, with questions regarding his status vs New York and whether or not he plans to play again this season.

They did not get any answers, though. That’s because Darrisaw turned down the interview request and told reporters that he could not answer questions on his likelihood to play Sunday, or the two games remaining on the schedule after.

Christian Darrisaw said he preferred not to talk today when approached in the locker room. He said he couldn’t answer a question about whether he will play again this season. https://t.co/CGCbYA5A5h

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 18, 2025

After these tweets were sent out, it seems HIGHLY unlikely we will see Christian Darrisaw suit up against the Giants. While the Vikings’ playoff hopes are dead, the health of their offensive line remains a major nuisance for O’Connell, his coaches and Minnesota’s scouting staff.

Minnesota Vikings need Darrisaw to properly evaluate McCarthy

Because after three more games, they have to hit the pause button on live-action for six months. And when that happens, this organization will have to decide, yet again, what they are going to do at quarterback, going into 2026.

It’s difficult to do that successfully, however, when you have such a small sample size to work with, like the Vikings have with McCarthy. You want to see more before making franchise-altering decisions.

Related: Insider Suggests MN Vikings Land Big Name QB

Unfortunately, that’s just not reality in the NFL. Ready or not, this league chugs along with or without you. So there is no choice. And that has to be the frustrating part of Darrisaw’s inability to stay on the field.

How can they get a good read on JJ McCarthy, if they don’t have a starting left tackle in place to protect his blindside? Because from the looks of it, CD may not make it back before the start of next season.

We know the Minnesota Vikings are going to bring in a veteran QB for 2026… but it’s yet to be determined what caliber of quarterback the new guy will be. Is O’Connell so over the young QB experiment that he begs Kwesi to swing big… say, for Joe Burrow?

Or, are we looking at another 2024 offseason scenario, where KOC is in search of an underachieving young veteran, who could be competent if things go right, but could also be pushed by McCarthy, if the redshirt rookie does indeed take positive steps in his development, entering 2026?

If the Vikings are trying to find Sam Darnold 2.0, then maybe they have their targets set on another 49er rehab project, in Mac Jones? For now, however, Minnesota coaches and executives are better off staying in the moment.

Because what this team needs, in the present, is a VERY good look at JJ McCarthy. And to do that, they need competent offensive line play, a dream that’s been hard to realize for much of the season.

Christian Darrisaw returns to MN Vikings practice

That’s why it was so worrisome on Thursday, when the Vikings’ best offensive lineman — Christian Darrisaw — missed practice for the second-straight day, as he continues to work his way back from midseason surgery that ended his 2024 season.

His absence earlier in the week meant that, if Christian wasn’t practicing at some capacity or another on Friday, he was extremely unlikely to play in Arlington on Sunday Night Football. Thankfully, the 26-year-old did return to the TCO Performance practice fields today, thought it was in a “limited” fashion.

Final #MINvsDAL injury report

QUESTIONABLE: Ty Chandler* and Christian Darrisaw

*Currently in 21-day return to practice window pic.twitter.com/O6Sga4gVSt

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 12, 2025

Related: Cowboys Star Cleared for MN Vikings Game

O’Connell told media at his press conference on Friday that the Minnesota Vikings are hopeful Christian Darrisaw will be able to start Sunday night, but that they have to see how his knee responds to today’s limited practice, following treatment.

Darrisaw has started 10 of the Vikings’ 13 games this season, after sitting out the first two. Still, the process has been anything but clean. Christian hasn’t practice on a Wednesday all season and has been a staple on the weekly injury reports.

He’s also pulled himself out of games, when he’s personally felt like like he’s putting too much strain on that surgically repaired knee.

Vikings trying to figure out their future QB situation

With or without their stud left tackle, the Minnesota Vikings are preparing for what should be a huge game this weekend against the Dallas Cowboys. And technically, a win could keep their playoff hopes alive.

Unfortunately, if either the Lions (vs Rams) or Bears (vs Browns) win this week, then even victory at Jerry World won’t stop the Vikings them from being mathematically eliminated from the 2025 postseason.

Related: Vikings News: Jordan Addison Bodycam Arrest Footage Surfaces

Nonetheless, there are a ton of reasons to watch on Sunday night — and for the final four games of the regular season — most of which stem from the quarterback position, which is undoubtedly this organization’s No. 1 focus as we finish out the disappointing year.

Having Christian Darrisaw protecting JJ McCarthy’s blindside against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football would be a good place to start.

On Wednesday, the NFC East bottom-dwellers were optimistic their superstar QB Jayden Daniels will return this week against the Vikings, following three weeks out with a dislocated elbow. That optimism went into overdrive Thursday when Washington upgraded their starting QB to a full participant at practice.

JJ McCarthy clears concussion protocol

On the other side of the sideline in Minneapolis this weekend, the status of Minnesota’s starting quarterback JJ McCarthy is even less cloudy. In fact, it’s incredibly clear.. as in McCarthy has officially been cleared from concussion protocol.

J.J. McCarthy is out of concussion protocol. pic.twitter.com/XMPrAbBcqb

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 4, 2025

Related: Vikings Could Give Up on JJ McCarthy Sooner Than Later

Barring any sort of setback or some other unforeseen circumstance, the MN Vikings’ 2024 No. 10 overall pick — who met with reporters on Thursday — will be back under center for the purple four days from now.

If JJ McCarthy does indeed return Sunday, he will make the seventh start of his professional career. Everyone invested, from fans to coaches to the Wilfs will be watching closely, in hopes that the 22-year-old Michigan alum can show signs that he can be the franchise quarterback he was drafted to be.

Minnesota Vikings franchise QB needs to show us SOMETHING

Since McCarthy was drafted back in April 2024, the Minnesota Vikings have played exactly 30 games, between the regular and postseason. Of those 30 opportunities, JJ has played in just six.

After weeks of incessant conversation over the redshirt rookie’s mechanics, O’Connell changed his tune regarding the young quarterback’s thinking, heading into the weekend. Enough thinking… just go throw the football to open receivers.

Interesting: Asked today about expectations for J.J. McCarthy, Kevin O'Connell said it's time to stop the season-long conversation on fundamentals and focus on decision-making. He also said he has spoken with McCarthy about protecting himself better when scrambling. pic.twitter.com/Cig2SK1nP3

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 3, 2025

Related: Vikings Projected for Odd Position in First Big Mock Draft

Entering Sunday’s contest vs the Commanders, JJ McCarthy has completed just 54% of his passes for 929 yards, 6 touchdowns and a whopping 10 interceptions. He’s also been sacked an astonishing 30 times, in his six starts.

After former Gopher Max Brosmer flopped on his face last week (4 INT, 0 TD), when given an opportunity to start in place of McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings somehow seem even more desperate to see a light at the end of JJ’s tunnel this weekend against a bad Washington team.

Minnesota Wild place Marcus Foligno on injured reserve

And late this morning, they got some bad news on the injury front when 34-year-old forward Marcus Foligno was placed on injured reserve, after he suffered a lower-body injury earlier this week against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The #mnwild has placed forward Marcus Foligno on Injured Reserve. He is week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

— Minnesota Wild PR (@mnwildPR) November 28, 2025

Foligno has been a declining asset on the ice for a couple of years now, but what he brings to the MN Wild locker room is undeniable, which is why president of hockey operations Bill Guerin has no interest in trading him before the deadline.

On the season, Marcus Foligno is averaging 13:07 TOI, down over a minute from his career average of 14:15. He’s mounted just two points in 2025-26, both assists, playing mostly third line wing.

There isn’t much out there on how serious Foligno’s injury is or how long he may sit on injured reserve. Look for a corresponding move on the Minnesota Wild horizon, as well.

But Monday morning, according to head coach Kevin O’Connell, JJ McCarthy woke up searching for his thoughts. And when he entered TCO Performance Center, he was placed in concussion protocol. The Vikings claim they do not know when JJ’s head injury occurred, though that seems unlikely (keep reading).

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell said QB J.J. McCarthy reported some symptoms in regard to his head on the travel home. Evaluated last night. Training staff and doctors decided to put him in the protocol. He'll go through process this week.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) November 24, 2025

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell says that QB J.J. McCarthy is in the concussion protocol. pic.twitter.com/BbhapR9TKT

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 24, 2025

McCarthy threw for just 87 yards against the Packers, completing 12 of 19 passes and throwing 2 interceptions (0 TDs). It was one of the worst performances in recent Minnesota Vikings QB history, reminiscent of legendary clunkers like “The Josh Freeman” and “Donovan McNabb Games”.

Minnesota Vikings claim ignorance on timing of JJ McCarthy injury

But does the kid QB’s head injury shed additional light on yesterday’s historically bad performance? The answer is no, because while the MN Vikings may be unwilling to tell us when exactly JJ McCarthy’s concussion occured on Sunday afternoon, anyone with a DVR can go back and find the exact play.

It happened with just over 5 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter, when McCarthy scrambled for ten yards before being tackled by Green bay linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, who led the Packers Sunday with 9 tackles, one of which clearly concussed Minnesota’s young quarterback.

The Vikings claim they do not know when JJ McCarthy suffered his concussion yesterday… 👀🫣 pic.twitter.com/ccEThk8cPD

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) November 24, 2025

Related: NFL Insider Says New QB Coming for MN Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have been very careful all season, when dealing with head injuries on their roster. Even so, they’ve still had multiple players dealing with recurring concussions.

Newly acquired center Ryan Kelly has spent most of the season watching from the sidelines or his own couch, after suffering two documented concussions between weeks 2 and 4.

Jeff Okudah has been out since October 23, after suffering his second head injury of the season against the Los Angeles Chargers. Thus, we can expect them to be extremely careful with young JJ McCarthy. And given how poorly he has played, the offense won’t be begging to get him back either.

Max Brosmer SZN…?

If indeed McCarthy cannot play against the Seahawks on Sunday, former Minnesota Gophers QB Max Brosmer will make his starting debut for the MN Vikings.

And if he does, I have no doubt fans will see a much different offense than what we did with the other kid QB under center. Honestly, it seems like the head coach knows that too.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell has a ton of confidence in Max Brosmer if he needed to start in place of J.J. McCarthy on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/RwYOYfKceY

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 24, 2025

Related: Vikings Leave Green Bay Down Two More Linemen

Last year, in his only season as a Minnesota Gopher, Max Brosmer threw for 2,828 yards, 18 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He also set a school record for completion percentage, at 66.5%.

His strengths are pre-snap reads and quickly going through progressions, two categories that McCarthy was severely lacking. At 24 years old (241 days) Max is also nearly two full years older than 22-year-old (308 days) JJ.

Facing the Phoenix Suns in NBA Cup action last time out, Anthony Edwards’ 40-burger was wiped out by a pair of missed free throws and a poorly decided inbounds pass that wound up costing the Wolves a victory that seemed all but certain, even seconds before it wasn’t.

Now 10-6, there’s a lot that this team still has to figure out if it wants to make another deep playoff run in a stacked Western Conference. 2024 first round pick Terrence Shannon Jr. was expected to be a key rotational player entering the season, but he has been sidelined for the past three games with a bone bruise in his left foot.

Injured Terrence Shannon Jr cleared to play

With the Timberwolves in Sacramento Monday night against a bad Sacramento Kings team, however, the former Illinois Fighting Illini standout has now been cleared for action, and will go into the game with a “questionable” injury designation.

Terrence Shannon Jr. has been cleared for full-contact and will be listed as questionable for Monday's game against Sacramento.

Shannon has been out for the last three weeks with a bone bruise in his left foot.

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) November 24, 2025

Terrence Shannon Jr. was last active on November 3 against the Brooklyn Nets. In seven games this season he has seen his minutes per game jump from 10.6 in 2024-25 to 16.4.

We haven’t seen the production come along with his increased time on the court, however, as the 25-year-old is averaging just 3.9 points per game on 32.1% shooting.

Minnesota opted against grabbing a playmaking point guard to pair with Mike Conley this offseason, in large part due to their budget constraints, hanging just below the second apron.

Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot to figure out still this season

Instead, Donte DiVincenzo joined the starting lineup as the on-paper point guard, while Anthony Edwards has taken on most of the ball-handling duties. It remains to be seen if Ant at the point will be sustainable, or if president of basketball operations Tim Connelly will get itchy before the trade deadline.

Through 16 games this season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have feasted on inferior competition, while they’ve struggled against better teams.

Hopefully, getting Terrence Shannon Jr. back will help steady that ship, but he will have to play better than he did prior to injury, in order to have a positive effect on the rotation. We know the kid has it in him, because we’ve seen it.

Terrance Shannon Jr. ELEVATES for the slam 💥pic.twitter.com/ESgYmBJfV3

— Timberwolves Nation (@TWolvesNationCP) November 4, 2025

The Minnesota Timberwolves made two first round picks last season, jumping up to take Rob Dillingham with the No. 8 overall pick, before snagging Shannon Jr at No. 27. So far, Dillingham looks like a bust, but he is young (20 years old).

If Connelly’s roster-building plan is going to work, as currently laid out, both Dilly and Shannon Jr. will have to look more like the first round draft picks they were selected to be. Otherwise, changes will need to be made. If not before the 2025-26 trade deadline, then likely during the offseason.