Even Ryan Kelly, who hasn’t played since week 4 after suffering two concussions in four games, was activated on Saturday, following a full week of practice.

Earlier this week, it looked like the MN Vikings would also have starting edge rusher Jonathan Greenard available for Sunday’s border battle. The 2024 Pro Bowler missed last week against the Chicago Bears with a shoulder injury and was limited in practice all week.

Jonathan Greenard likely out for MN Vikings

Still Greenard all but guaranteed to reporters on Wednesday that he’d be suited up in Lambeau on Sunday. At the time, who were they to doubt him? Unfortunately, a new report from Matt Zenitz (CBS Sports) Friday night puts the 28-year-old Viking in danger of being a liar..

#Vikings Pro Bowl outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard (shoulder) is currently expected to miss tomorrow’s game against the #Packers, sources tell @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/accaIWHmjW

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) November 23, 2025

Last season, the Minnesota Vikings signed Jonathan Greenard after he spent his first four years in the NFL as a member of the Houston Texans. He rewarded them handsomely, posting 12 sacks for the second-straight season.

Paired with Andrew Van Ginkel, the Vikings have one of the most disrupting and difficult to scheme against duo of outside linebackers in all of football.

This year however, Greenard has recorded just two sacks, in large part because he can’t tackle the quarterback. When you turn on the games, the guy is everywhere, and he leads the Vikings with 36 total pressures in 2025, 21st most in the league.

Stat sheet says Jonathan Greenard has 1 sack in 3 games. But when you turn the tape on, he's everywhere. He creates sacks for others, draws penalties, makes plays against the run.

Still the best player on a loaded defense, imo. pic.twitter.com/mkycmY4ykz

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) September 22, 2025

If Jonathan Greenard does indeed miss Sunday’s contest in Green Bay, the Vikings will again lean on sophomore first round pick, Dallas Turner.

At this point in his young career, Turner fills in much better for Greenard than he does Van Ginkel. So that’s a small positive to this discouraging news, if you’re looking for something.

Green Bay Packers dealing with their own injury problems

It’s possible that starting running back Josh Jacobs misses the game for the Packers, and J.J. McCarthy should have his full starting offensive line. That doesn’t mean that the team has a clean bill of health, though, as Jordan Love likely won’t see one of Minnesota’s best pass rushers.

Minnesota needs to keep Jordan Love in check. The Packers are currently 6-3-1, and the Vikings need another road win to push their NFC North road record to 3-0. The Playoffs are currently a long shot, but any hope completely evaporates with another loss.

It will be interesting to see how Kevin O’Connell prepared young quarterback J.J. McCarthy for success this week. Even without Greenard, Brian Flores’ defense kept Minnesota in the game during Week 11. It would be great to reward the defense this time for such a performance.

For the 4-6 Vikings, it’s a must-win game if they want any hope of remaining in the playoff race, going into week 13. But the 6-3-1 Packers are in the same boat, if they want to keep up with the division-leading Chicago Bears.

As has been the case since pretty much since the end of their week 6 bye, the MN Vikings continue to get healthier. In fact, only two Vikings starters have been limited at practice this week due to injury, OLB Jonathan Greenard and RG Will Fries.

MN Vikings Final Week 12 Injury Report: Fries in, Greenard and Kelly questionable

On Friday, Minnesota’s final injury report of week 12 was released and Fries was no longer on it, meaning the 27-year-old offseason free agent signing is good to go vs the Packers. Greenard, meanwhile, was listed as questionable, along with center Ryan Kelly, who hasn’t played since week 4 in Dublin.

Final #MINvsGB injury report

QUESTIONABLE: Jonathan Greenard and Ryan Kelly*

*Currently in 21-day return to practice window pic.twitter.com/Y1myus9hS2

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 21, 2025

Second-year OLB Dallas Turner played pretty well against Chicago last weekend, in the absence of Jonathan Greenard. But the MN Vikings defense is a shell of itself without one of its three core linebackers, Greenard, Van Ginkel and Blake Cashman — all of whom have missed time this season.

Jonathan Greenard has struggled to bring down opposing quarterbacks in 2025, posting just two sacks in 9 games played. This, after racking up 12 sacks in 2024. Still, the 28-year-old holds a 70.0 pass rush grade (PFF) on the season, and leads the Vikings in pressures with 27.

Jonathan Greenard, Ryan Kelly both expected to play vs Packers

And while he is listed as questionable on the injury report, Greenard told Emily Leiker (Star Tribune) on Thursday that, regardless of what the injury report says, he’s “super confident” he’ll be active Sunday in Lambeau.

Greenard said after practice he’s feeling “good” and that he’s “super confident” he will be able to play Sunday at Green Bay.

Emily Leiker – Star Tribune

And while the Minnesota Vikings have yet to officially activate Ryan Kelly, he was a full participant in practice all week, and he’s fully cleared to play. On top of that, the Vikings waived cornerback Dwight McGlothern on Thursday, and have yet to fill his spot, which is expected to be waiting for Kelly’s activation.

In other words, it seems more than likely that both of “questionable” Vikings players from Friday will be active and starting against the Green Bay Packers later this weekend. Of course, we will not know for sure until the active/inactive lists come out two hours prior to game time on Sunday.

Ryan Kelly was a full participant for the third straight day, as he prepares for his return on Sunday. The #Vikings will have to activate him from injured reserve by tomorrow, but they’ve kept Dwight McGlothern’s roster spot open for him. pic.twitter.com/0Jo6kOaEg5

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) November 21, 2025

The Packers come into Sunday’s matchup with a 6-3-1 record. If they want to keep pace with division-leading Chicago Bears, then this contest is almost as important for Green Bay, as it is for the Vikings. Thankfully, the purple continue to get healthier, which should help their chances.

Minnesota Vikings give early week 12 injury updates

On Wednesday, head coach Kevin O’Connell brought more good news to the podium during his pre-practice press conference, where he told reporters gathered at TCO Performance Center that Jonathan Greenard will work out on his own today, before they chart a path forward for their starting outside linebacker.

Right after the Greenard update, KOC added a small but groundbreaking note on Ryan Kelly (concussion), revealing that the starting center will be a FULL participant at practice Wednesday. It’s the first time he’s been a full-go since suffering his latest head injury September 28 in London, against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Jonathan Greenard will work off to the side today and we will update you guys on kinda where he is at, moving into tomorrow and Friday. Ryan Kelly should be a full participant.”

Kevin O’Connell – Wed, Nov. 19

From the sounds of it, this leads me to believe that Ryan Kelly is likely to be back on the field Sunday, in Green Bay. If true, it will be just the fourth time he’s been active, since signing with the Minnesota Vikings last offseason.

If everything goes as planned, it will also be the first time this starting o-line unit has played even one snap together, since being reconstructed in the spring.

Vikings o-line finally healthy…?

This, after starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw missed the beginning of this season recovering from knee surgery that ended his 2024. Other starters, including Brian O’Neill and Donovan Jackson, have also missed time due to injury, as have some of the Vikings depth options.

In fact, the only Minnesota o-lineman to play all ten games so far in 2025 is 27-year-old left guard, Will Fries, who missed all but five games in 2024 with the Colts due to a broken leg.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell on Ryan Kelly's status. pic.twitter.com/KoObncc1Fe

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 19, 2025

And as the line has gotten healthier, so has the play. Without a doubt, week 11 against the Chicago Bears was Vikings’ best as an offensive line. There were holes all over for both running backs and JJ McCarthy had more time and open receivers than he had poise.

Now, in week 12 against the hated Green Bay Packers, it appears the Minnesota Moving Company should be even better. Of course, what we see on paper isn’t always what unfolds on game day. So until then, we can only imagine how good things will be with all five healthy starters up front.

In week 11, the MN Vikings are focused No. 1 on stopping Bears quarterback Caleb Williams from taking over the game Sunday, like he nearly did week one, if not for JJ McCarthy’s miraculous fourth quarter comeback at Soldier Field, one of a few bright spots the redshirt rookie has enjoyed in 2025.

Minnesota Vikings down an OLB again

During the season opener, when these two teams met for the first time, Minnesota struggled to corral Williams even with both stud outside linebackers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel on the field.

On Sunday, unfortunately, they’ll have to find a way to slow the 2024 No. 1 overall pick without Greenard, who missed his third-straight practice of the week Friday, before he was officially ruled out on the Vikings final week 11 injury report.

Final #CHIvsMIN injury report

OUT: Jonathan Greenard and Ryan Kelly*

*Currently in 21-day practice window pic.twitter.com/mC61cSdtqq

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 14, 2025

Related: MN Vikings Superstar Calls on Year 3 Jets to Return

Beyond Ryan Kelly and the aforementioned Greenard, the Vikings are looking a lot healthier than their early-week injury report would have foretold. That means JJ McCarthy was able to practice in full today with his injured hand. That’s good because nobody needs a rebound performance more desperately than he does.

Thankfully, Minnesota’s offense that has the easier task this weekend against the Bears. Offensively, this should be one of the Vikings’ easier tasks in recent weeks. Chicago ranks near the bottom of the NFL defensively, allowing the 6th most yards against and 5th most points against this season, among all 32 teams.

Not just to beat the Chicago Bears this weekend, but if the MN Vikings are going to have any realistic shot at climbing back into a stacked NFC playoff picture. Head coach Kevin O’Connell will have to play-call better too.

Minnesota Vikings could get right vs shoddy Bears defense?

More notably, the Bears have been at their worst against the pass, where teams have piled up 2.2 touchdowns per game through the air, 4th most in the league. They’ve also allowed the 7th most pass yards of any NFL defense this season, at 240.3 YPG.

Hey guys so I miss when the Chicago Bears had a good defense

— Maddie (@baddiemaddie43) November 9, 2025

Of course, that doesn’t mean McCarthy will suddenly morph into his idol Tom Brady Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. He should look a lot better than he did last week though. If he doesn’t then the fallout from that is worth its own article.

But even if McCarthy & Co. do get right against the Chicago Bears, it’ll be up to a now-depleted Minnesota Vikings defense to keep a surging Chicago offense down well enough for the offense to keep up. Remember, only one team is still trying to take the training wheels off of its 2024 first round QB.

Can they do that without Greenard like they haven’t been able to this season without Van Ginkel or Blake Cashman, when they have been out with injury? I guess we will soon find out.

One day removed from head coach Kevin O’Connell naming JJ McCarthy as the Vikings starter for Sunday, Minnesota’s first injury report of week 9 released on Wednesday afternoon. And not only was JJ McCarthy a full-go today, but so too were starting OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (Neck) and LT Christian Darrisaw (Knee).

Minnesota Vikings looking healthier in early week 9 injury report

Notably, OLB Jonathan Greenard (Ankle), RT Brian O’Neill (Knee) and CB Isaiah Rodgers (Shoulder) were all limited at today’s practice. FB C.J. Ham (Hand), CB Jeff Okudah (Concussion) and TE Josh Oliver (Foot) did not practice.

Related: Former Viking Kirk Cousins Has Requested Trade

This is one of the more positive injury reports that the Minnesota Vikings have had all season. JJ McCarthy, we know will be under center on Sunday, barring some sort of freak injury or setback on his ankle.

Meanwhile, Christian Darrisaw spoke with reporters this week and told them that the original timeline on his knee injury was 12 months, which he is still ahead of. That’s why, according to Darrisaw, he and the team have been so cautious with his return. We will see how limited he is tomorrow, after a full day of practice today.

Return of Andrew Van Ginkel incoming…?

The best news on this report is Andrew Van Ginkel. His status is supposed to be very much up in the air for Sunday. After a full day of practice, right after he told reporters that he hopes to play on Sunday in Detroit, bodes well toward his availability.

Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) spoke to reporters today for the first time since he last played in Week 3. He said it’s his goal to play Sunday but not a certainty. Would not detail the injury nor say whether he needs surgery.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 29, 2025

Related: Vikings WR Could Be Popular Trade Candidate at Deadline

Until we hear otherwise, I am assuming Brian O’Neill will be returning to the MN Vikings o-line this week too. As long as he can practice, at least in a limited fashion for most of the week, he’ll probably be on the field.

But again, practice schedules for injured players have been weird for the Vikings all season long, so we’ll see what Thursday brings. O’Neill and Darrisaw both know how badly JJ McCarthy needs them both to be part of his protection package vs the Lions and Aidan Hutchinson.

If all of the limited/full participants at Wednesday’s Minnesota Vikings practice — including Isaiah Rodgers and Jonathan Greenard — can suit up in Detroit four days from now, it will be a much different team that takes to Ford Field, than what we saw one week ago in LA vs the Chargers.

Thankfully, no matter how bad the loss was, it only counts once. But now, the Vikings will go to Detroit in 10 days rest for what feels like a must-win game against the division-rival Lions, who are on their bye this week and had to be salivating watching Minnesota’s embarrassing performance on Prime(time) Video.

Minnesota Vikings hit hard by injuries in week 8 (again)

But the MN Vikings can’t concern themselves with that. Stop me if you have heard this before (wait don’t because this isn’t an old article) but this is a team that needs to focus on getting healthy, after yet another outing that included the exit of multiple starters due to injury.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell entered Thursday without starters (FB) CJ Ham, (OLB) Andrew Van Ginkel, (C) Ryan Kelly and (QB) JJ McCarthy. And it took just two drives before they lost another. And surprise, it came at the worst possible position.

Kevin O'Connell said he did not want to get into detail on Christian Darrisaw's injury. (We understood it to be a torn left ACL/MCL.) Regardless, O'Connell said that with Thursday game after a high-snap game like last week, "there's just only so much that we can do."

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 24, 2025

Christian Darrisaw continues to work his way back from midseason knee surgery one year ago. He was very questionable going in, and after the 26-year-old did not look/feel like himself during those first couple drives, Darrisaw took himself out for the second time in three weeks.

Injury issues started with Darrisaw, continued all night for Wentz

It does not appear the 2021 No. 23 overall pick suffered any sort of setback with that knee. According to reports, Christian had swelling in his knee after playing 69 snaps in week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and the quick turnaround was not enough time to recover.

#Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell touches on Christian Darrisaw:

“Based upon the idea of the type of injury he’s coming back from. I’m not going to go into detail with what that injury was, but I would just say there is a layer to Christian doing everything he can. But, when he has a… pic.twitter.com/mA9V3n2yJH

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 24, 2025

Speaking of beatings, without his starting center, left tackle and right tackle, Carson Wentz — who entered with a shoulder injury he’s been nursing since London — took one of the worst of any quarterback I’ve seen play in a Minnesota Vikings uniform during my 30+ years of watching them play.

He was sacked 5 times and hit 8 more, in large part because he is struggling to see open receivers and get the ball out on time. Frustrations and pain boiled over multiple times on the field and sideline, but KOC just continued to send Wentz back out to QB his own death.

Carson Wentz’s night in one photo. pic.twitter.com/Tm4WhKTyD7

— John Frascella (Football) (@NFLFrascella) October 24, 2025

Finally, after he held back tears of pain for the entire second half, Max Brosmer replaced Wentz for the Vikings final drive. More than likely, he will be replaced by JJ McCarthy next week.

Wentz came in wearing a sort of shoulder contraption that, if you squinted, looked like a third shoulder pad. Hopefully it helped keep that shoulder in place, because it certainly didn’t make him a better quarterback.

Oliver, Okudah, Greenard leave MN Vikings vs LA Chargers injured

By the time quarter one turned to quarter two, Josh Oliver exited the game with a foot injury and was later carted off the sideline, to the locker room. Obviously, that is not a good sign. The Minnesota Vikings need all the help they can get in pass and run blocking so losing the best blocking tight end in football will hurt.

Then, there’s Jeff Okudah. He missed time earlier in the season with a concussion. Last night, the 2020 No. 3 overall draft pick suffered his second head injury of the season, meaning his return is way up in the air. Not just next week, but the rest of the season.

Hopefully, this is the last one but we may not find out until next week, being Vikings vs Chargers was the early game in week 8. Jonathan Greenard also left last night with a late-game ailment.

He got off the field on his own power and looked hungry to return. Had the Chargers not run away with things by then, he likely would have. Leading up to his injury, Greenard was one of the few bright spots in Thursday’s loss.

#Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard so far:

• 4 Total Tackles
• 3 TFL
• 1 Sackpic.twitter.com/xYSrbR1g9S

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 24, 2025

The 48-10 victory was a laugher before the first quarter was completed. By halftime, the Vikings lead was 31 points, thanks to a heroic defensive showing from Isaiah Rodgers and a Minnesota offense that finally operated functionally, behind new QB Carson Wentz.

Of course, one week means nothing in this league, since everything swings so greatly from game to game. What’s important is that the locker room remains together, no matter who is playing quarterback or how well the team is playing, at any given time.

Beat writer thought vibes were off in Minnesota Vikings locker room

Entering Sunday’s contest vs Cincinnati, there was certainly concern among the fanbase, both offensively and defensively. Not only that, but there was at least one beat reporter, the Star Tribune’s Andrew Krammer who felt that vibes were off inside TCO Performance Center last week, something he expressed on the Purple Insider Podcast on Friday.

Just in case you were wondering what Andrew Krammer said that pissed off Jonathan Greenard…

"This is a team that is desperate, which is weird to say for a 1-1 team, to use the word' desperate', but vibes are not great. That's at least what I've been sensing around the team"… https://t.co/YpYISpPaUr pic.twitter.com/cOH58r6Dl4

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

“This is a team that is desperate, which is weird to say for a 1-1 team, to use the word’ desperate’, but vibes are not great. That’s at least what I’ve been sensing around the team.”

Andrew Krammer – Purple Insider

Funny enough, the context surrounding Andrew Krammer’s quote was that of a winning prediction. He believed the Minnesota Vikings would come into U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon more desperate than their Bengals competition.

He ended up being very much right, on that front, whether you want to call them desperate or whether their play had anything to do with “vibes being off”, we’ll probably never know. But none of that mattered to Minnesota’s No. 1 pass rusher, Jonathan Greenard.

Jonathan Greenard pulls out receipts on Andrew Krammer

He heard/read Krammer’s comments prior to Sunday’s matchup and they were the first thing on Greenard’s mind when reporters gathered around his locker room, following the Vikings’ win. Fortunately for Krammer, he was not a part of the scrum.

👀 https://t.co/mOQt5Naj2N pic.twitter.com/dPk6zSGda1

— Dustin (@Dust_Vikings) September 22, 2025

“I don’t know who said something, he’s not in here right now…said the vibes was off. It was the other guy in here, he was shorter, can’t remember his name. He said the vibes was off this week.

Completely false. Just because we’re working and probably weren’t in there the same times you guys were in there, I don’t know why he would put stuff out like that. The vibe is good. Just because we’re even keel and ready to get back to work doesn’t mean the vibes are down.

We just understand that, listen, we didn’t like that performance last week. We put our head down. What do we look like coming in here and smiling for and dancing for and talking all types of energy when we just put up that performance last week? Any time we get a dub, we just try to stay on this upward trend.”

Jonathan Greenard postgame vs Bengals

The comments from Krammer clearly weren’t appreciated in the Minnesota Vikings locker room, and Greenard being the leader that he is, addressed them. It’s difficult to make sweeping assessments early in the season, especially following a loss.

At the same time, we really on reporters to help us with things like locker room vibes. Their closeness to the team does not guarantee they are right, however.

Winning cures a lot of things and the Vikings absolutely crushed Cincinnati Sunday, despite being down their starting quarterback, center and starting wide receiver. Getting Christian Darrisaw back certainly helped, however.

Greenard making an impact for MN Vikings

Thus far on the season Jonathan Greenard has just a single sack. He has recorded nine tackles, three for losses, and has five hits on the quarterback. Obviously it’s always the sack numbers that turn the most heads. On Sunday he wasn’t credited with one, but his presence was constantly felt.

.@vikings @jongreenard7 like everyone else in defense was everywhere. They smothered the @bengals from beginning to end. #skol #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/NtwS5E5NV9

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 22, 2025

The nature of the MN Vikings front seven is that pressure can come from anywhere. Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel are the guys on the edges, but Dallas Turner and Jalen Redmond are capable of putting up production too. The additions of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen have been felt in the early going as well.

It’s virtually impossible to try and take away one of the Vikings pass rushers without allowing another one to come and get you. Greenard and Van Ginkel have worked in tandem perfectly since joining the team last season.

Minnesota has to feel good about having a leader on the field like Greenard. It’s clear he’s not afraid to lead off of it either.

Unfortunately, there were no late game heroics this time around. In fact, quite the opposite. The reality after week two for Minnesota is that J.J. McCarthy continues to look more lost than found, in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s 4D chess-style offense.

Then, you beyond the play of our redshirt rookie, to a roster that’s being attacked by early-season injuries (and a mysterious illness) that seem to take a new starter off the depth chart on a near daily basis.

Injuries piling up for MN Vikings in a bad way

But without a doubt, the injury fallout from Sunday night’s loss was the worst of them all.

On defense, (OLB) Jonathan Greenard was removed (oblique), though he did return. 2024 UDFA OLB Gabe Murphy — who was elevated to help fill in for an injured Andrew Van Ginkel — left with a knee injury.

On offense, both C Ryan Kelly and backup LT Justin Skule left early with concussions. RB Aaron Jones was removed with a hamstring injury.

Not looking good for Gabe Murphy. Lots of Vikings players looking pretty distraught.

— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) September 15, 2025

Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell says C Ryan Kelly has a concussion. Justin Skule has a concussion. Jonathan Greenard had oblique injury. Aaron Jones will be evaluated for a hamstring. Gabe Murphy’s MCL will be evaluated.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 15, 2025

None of the aforementioned offensive players were able to return and O’Connell is expecting Jones to miss Sunday vs Cincinnati.

If the two linemen play, we won’t know until late in the week. But the Vikings do not like to push concussions, so we are ruling them both out until further notice.

Biggest injury shocker of the year so far: JJ McCarthy

By the time the game ended on Sunday night, O’Connell’s team had added even more key players to the growing list of unavailable talent.

But the biggest surprise came during KOC’s press conference on Monday, when he announced that JJ McCarthy will miss at least one game (reportedly more) due to a sprained ankle. That makes recently acquired Carson Wentz the Vikings’ temporary starter.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell has announced J.J. McCarthy has an ankle sprain and he will more than likely miss the team's Week 3 game against Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/01AhkeMpRK

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 15, 2025

Since training camp started, injuries have been a problem for the Minnesota Vikings, and they only seem to have gotten worse since the season started.

Latest injuries only make health matters worse

Entering week two, Minnesota was already without key starters. Andrew Van Ginkel and Jeff Okudah joined Christian Darrisaw, Harrison Smith, Blake Cashman (IR) and Ty Chandler (IR).

It’s expected that 2024 seventh round pick Michael Jurgens will fill in for Ryan Kelly. At left tackle, they just have to hope Darrisaw is ready to return.

Aaron Jones’ injury will mean more run for Jordan Mason, who’s outplayed his backfield PIC anyway. Still, don’t be surprised if the Vikings look for more RB help. Maybe another transaction involving Cam Akers…?

Related: What We Learned About Vikings in Lullaby Loss vs Falcons

Sunday was just one loss, and most of their issues are correctable. But it’s going to get increasingly difficult to play better with all these injuries.

Who knows, after Sunday’s game against the Falcons, TCO Performance Center may just be converted into an infirmary.

Kevin O’Connell’s team is coming off a 14-win season. Sam Darnold is gone and the defensive front has plenty of new faces. There are still some pillars across the 53-man roster, and that’s where the captains come in.

Eight captains named for MN Vikings

Head coach Kevin O’Connell has proven to be among the best leaders across the entirety of the NFL. He has to do so from the sidelines however. The extension of his voice on the field comes in the form of hand-picked captains. This season their are eight of them.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell has announced the 2025 #Vikings team captains

QB J.J. McCarthy
WR Justin Jefferson
S Harrison Smith
RB Aaron Jones Sr.
LS Andrew DePaola
S Josh Metellus
OLB Jonathan Greenard
T Brian O'Neill pic.twitter.com/T6zylOALFc

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 28, 2025

When quarterback J.J. McCarthy takes the field for his first NFL start, he will do so wearing a “C” on his chest. The young signal caller is being empowered by his coach, and from there it’s up to him.

Plenty of veterans will rock the “C” patch as well. Justin Jefferson continues to be the focal point of Minnesota’s offense. Aaron Jones is back again to bolster the backfield. Brian O’Neill has been a constant force on the frontline.

Related: Minnesota Vikings 2025 Final 53-Man Roster

This offseason Josh Metellus was given a nice new contract extension. He is among the defensive captains and certainly doesn’t take the opportunity for granted.

Harrison Smith is entering is entering his 14th NFL season. It’s crazy to think how long he has continued to compete at such a high level. He’ll be working to help break in new starter Theo Jackson this season as well.

Minnesota is primed to make noise in the NFC North, and if J.J. McCarthy is the real deal, there’s no reason to put a cap on how high they can go.

While Brian Flores has often been lauded as an exceptional asset from the sideline, he may have his best defense yet. The front seven has earned early praise, and now we’re seeing it come to life on the field.

Training camp opened last week for the Vikings. Media has been present a bit longer than fans have. The takeaways may be the same.

Defense steals the show early for Minnesota Vikings

Plenty of excitement exists for the Vikings with J.J. McCarthy being healthy and commanding the offense. He’s going to have plenty of time to establish himself this year. How much heavy lifting he has to do will be a reflection of the defense, and they were the talk of the latest Access Vikings episode.

“I think the front seven has certainly been the big one [takeaway]. Certainly yesterday [Monday] first day in pads, I think that was the big takeaway. Just how diverse that pass rush can be. With Dallas Turner looking like he’s going to get a bigger role alongside Van Ginkel and Greenard. You add those tackles to it. I mean the pass rush was very disruptive in that first day…we’ll see that continue as we go.”

Ben Goessling – Access Vikings

“Yeah, I agree with Ben. I think when all of us media were sitting there just watching. Greenard get after it. The first pass rush rep was between Van Ginkel and O’Neill. That one was a great rep and a great matchup to watch throughout. The interior. I talked to O’Neill afterwards and he mentioned Jonathan Allen has moves that frankly none of our defensive tackles I’ve played with before have done. He’s mentioned the hump pass rushing move that Reggie White made famous back in the 90’s. He’s saying this guy does it better than anybody that I’ve seen. O’Neill went as far as saying, just as far as dudes and talent, this is the best defensive line I’ve seen us face thus far in camp.”

Andrew Krammer – Access Vikings

It’s good that there is a consensus on the Vikings defensive front. It’s also validating from the perspective that it was a clear focus in free agency. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah went out and targeted interior help. The additions of Allen and Javon Hargrave only heighten the impact of the edge rushers.

While the secondary is going to have some new faces, the front seven can help to impact the opposing passing game. The more that Flores can scheme his group to get home, the better the unit as a whole will be.

Related: MN Vikings O-Line Getting Healthy Fast

Minnesota kicks off the exhibition slate on August 9th against the Houston Texans. McCarthy will be under center and the pass rush will get a chance to show off what they have. Fans can also flock to TCO Performance Center in Eagan, and it may be best while the New England Patriots are in town for joint practices.