Christian Darrisaw, still working his way back to full strength after last year’s season-ending knee surgery, continues to be a weekly question mark. He was a game-time decision last week against the Washington Commanders, and his availability is once again in doubt.

Christian Darrisaw’s Availability Looks Murky

The Vikings held their first full practice of the week on Wednesday, and Darrisaw was listed as “DNP” because of his knee. Had he returned to the field Thursday, there would have been less cause for concern. Instead, he logged a second straight did not practice designation.

Thursday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/2RLJI5C751

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 11, 2025

Darrisaw has already missed three games this season, and the ongoing weekly maintenance of his knee has been a constant storyline. Seeing the starting left tackle take a step backward health-wise would be disappointing, but Minnesota is also not in a position where pushing him onto the field makes sense.

Developing J.J. McCarthy remains the Vikings’ primary focus for the rest of the year, and the health of his offensive line directly affects that. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah invested heavily in the group this offseason, only to watch injuries derail those plans.

There was some good news, though: Donovan Jackson, Theo Jackson, and Levi Drake Rodriguez were all upgraded to full participants. After sitting out Wednesday, T.J. Hockenson returned in a limited capacity. Ty Chandler also appears on track to return for Sunday’s game.

After shutting out a struggling Washington Commanders team last weekend, the Vikings now turn their attention to the Dallas Cowboys. Kevin O’Connell will be looking for his team to build on that momentum, though getting healthier as the week progresses would certainly help.

Everyone on Vikings Injury Report

Ahead of the Week 15 matchup with Dallas, Minnesota’s first injury report of the week listed a whopping 15 players. Fortunately, only two of those players were unable to participate in practice.

The #Vikings first injury report of Week 15 pic.twitter.com/L8cJeGJ76h

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 10, 2025

Six players were listed as limited for rest-related reasons. One notable absence was Christian Darrisaw, who did not participate Wednesday despite playing on Sunday. He continues to manage recovery from the knee injury he suffered last season.

T.J. Hockenson was added to the injury report with a shin issue. His inclusion is new, and he has not miss a game this season. Still, his production has fallen short of expectations. Hockenson has just 370 receiving yards and three touchdowns this year, compared to 455 yards in 2024, despite appearing in only 10 games. It remains possible the Vikings could ultimately move on from the veteran tight end.

Ty Chandler, who has been sidelined since Week 1, had his 21-day practice window opened last week. Although he was unable to participate then, he opened this week with a full practice, putting him on track to return.

It’s also encouraging that starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy does not carry an injury designation.

Minnesota faces playoff elimination with a loss this weekend. At 5-8, the odds are already slim, making it increasingly likely that building momentum and evaluating pieces for 2026 should be the primary focus moving forward.

The Eagles did everything within their power to keep Wentz & Co in the game, but in the end, the Vikings were just more determined to take the L. But there was a moment, late in the fourth quarter, when we thought they might have a chance to steal one.

Another replay controversy for the Minnesota Vikings

It came with just over three minutes left, and trailing by nine points. That’s when Carson Wentz hit TJ Hockenson in the back of the endzone for what appeared to be a touchdown. Hockenson stretched out, caught the ball, pulled it into his chest and held on after he hit the ground, or so we thought.

This touchdown reception by T.J. Hockenson was OVERTURNED 😬

Catch or No Catch? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/mzxb2DkFZ2

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) October 19, 2025

Here was my shot of T.J. Hockenson's almost amazing diving touchdown catch.

Listen to Hock explain his frustration about the overturned catch call. pic.twitter.com/QrQiAWfQ7V

— Alec Ausmus (@A_TwiceKSTP) October 20, 2025

Ultimately, the replay team back in New York overturned the call on the field, of a catch, ruling that Hockenson did not secure the football before sliding out of bounds, even though it never hit the ground.

Following the reversal, Hockenson was furious. After the game, he said that referees on the field told him they didn’t want to reverse it, but that New York overruled them.

“I mean, I had control the whole time. My hands were underneath it. I don’t quite understand how the refs on the field, even after New York overturned it, the refs on the field are saying it’s a catch. They said New York overturns it, so they have nothing to say. I don’t understand how New York can just call in and say it’s not a catch. There was no evidence that it wasn’t. I mean I had it. I just think it’s ridiculous, especially when every ref came up to me after and says we had that as a catch. I don’t understand it.”

T.J. Hockenson

The unfortunate reality is that we’re still dealing with multiple different levels of officiating that doesn’t understand what constitutes a catch. This has been a problem for years, and is why instant replay has been instituted to such a significant extent.

Postgame vice president of instant replay, Mark Butterworth, talked with pool reporter Kevin Seifert. He answered multiple questions about the overturned touchdown.

Pool report regarding T.J. Hockenson’s overturned touchdown. pic.twitter.com/Dufa9OTVnT

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 19, 2025

Whether it was a catch or not, it’s hardly comforting for Hockenson to hear from those governing the game after an overturn is made, that they believe their superiors got it wrong. It would have been less controversial had Carson Wentz just thrown a good pass, however.

Minnesota went on to convert a 4th and 2 play that wasted another minute of time and just led to a field goal. Kevin O’Connell’s offense never got the ball back, and the late game execution sank an otherwise uninspiring performance.

But what will it take for McCarthy to have a successful redshirt rookie season in the NFL? Well, it starts with what his coaches want most, which is efficiency. If JJ can manage the offense and get the ball to Minnesota’s ultra-talented group of offensive weapons, the Vikings would be very happy with that.

The 2025 MN Vikings offense has been reconstructed to better support a first time starting quarterback. The offensive line has been in three different spots and now includes a deeper, more talented backfield, thanks to the addition of Jordan Mason.

And when McCarthy’s name is called, he’ll drop back looking for the best wide receiver in the NFL, Justin Jefferson, along with newly acquired homecoming kid, Adam Thielen. Come week four, after he serves a three-game “wet reckless” suspension, Jordan Addison will also be added into that mix.

Everything on the line for TJ Hockenson this season

Then, there is trusty tight end TJ Hockenson, a young quarterback’s best friend. McCarthy liked utilizing his tight ends in the pass game at Michigan, which is good news for Hock, who may need JJ McCarthy to develop into a competent NFL starting quarterback in year one, more than any other pass-catcher on the MN Vikings roster.

Why is that? Because, while Minnesota’s 28 year-old tight end remains under contract with the Vikings through 2027, there is a massive change in structure, following the 2025 season.

Related: NFL Network Host Drunk on Purple Kool-Aid and Vikings Nostalgia

Hockenson, who holds the fourth-highest cap hit of any tight end in football in 2025, at $16.6 million, will see his cap figure balloon to $21.4 million in 2026, which is currently set to be the second-highest of any tight end, behind only David Njoku’s $24.3M (Spotrac).

In all likelihood, TJ Hockenson will NOT play under his current contract in 2026. Either the Minnesota Vikings work out a new deal between now and the start of next season, or they trade/cut him. If they were to cut the former Lion out of the University of Iowa, they’d save up to $16 million against the 2026 cap.

Minnesota Vikings tight end back to full health

That’s why the 2025 season is pretty much a contract year for Hockenson. But it’s not just any contract year. TJ is coming off a season where he played in just 10 games, thanks to a knee injury and rehabilitation that lasted well into 2024.

Now far removed from that injury, Hockenson openly admits he did not feel like the same guy last year, when he returned. He still found a way to put up 455 yards, but didn’t find the endzone even one time in 10 weeks.

Hockenson incorporated something new to his training because of how he felt after missing training camp last year and the first seven games of the regular season.

“I was a step slower than I wanted to be, and I knew that after a couple games,” he said. “Toward the end of the year, I got more comfortable, and I got back to where I wanted to be.”

Star Tribune

Related: O’Connell Gives Major Update on Key Vikings Starters

Thus, TJ Hockenson must prove to the NFL world that he is still one of the best tight ends in football. If he can, his new contract this offseason will remain in the realm of other top talents at the position.

If not, his offers from both the Minnesota Vikings and elsewhere will be considered underwhelming, compared to what he’s being paid now. So it’s very important that TJ Hockenson and JJ McCarthy develop rapport as quickly as possible this season. Not just for the team’s future, but for the tight end’s too.

Meanwhile, the Vikings’ 2025 regular season opener on Monday Night Football in Chicago against the Bears looms large on September 8. Minnesota, whose offense has been somewhat ravaged by minor injuries to start training camp, needs to be healthy and ready to go before then.

Unfortunately, they are not there yet. The Vikings invested in multiple players this offseason, who came in with major questions surrounding their health. Toss them in with those already on the roster with injury concerns, and there is plenty of reason to worry. Thankfully, the most recent updates are mostly positive.

Minnesota Vikings injury update No. 1: Justin Jefferson

The Minnesota Vikings injury that fans and media are paying closest attention to, understandably, is that of superstar wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. The 25-year-old former 1st round pick has been dealing with a mild hamstring strain and and hasn’t participated at training camp in two weeks.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell provided an update on Wednesday, and while he wouldn’t commit to any sort of return timeline for his highly compensated superstar, it sounds as though Jefferson’s return is getting growing in imminence.

"He's clearly building up to a point where he's going to be 100% and we're going to get him back out there" -Head Coach Kevin O'Connell on @jjettas2's status pic.twitter.com/gKRM4sk97K

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 6, 2025

“Ideally, you’d love to get him, I’d love for him to practice today if we could. We’ll continue kind of ramping him up and you guys have seen him. If he’s not running to try to tackle me before practice today, which has kind of been a normal occurrence, he certainly looks healthy when he’s trying to tackle me pre-practice here. He’s clearly building back up to a point where he’s 100%, we’re going to get him back out there.”

Kevin O’Connell

Related: 4 Wide Receivers that Vikings Should Consider

In 2023 Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury against the Chicago Bears and wound up playing just 10 games (nine starts). Outside of that, Justin has remained mostly healthy through the first five seasons of his NFL career.

Last season, Jefferson posted 1,533 yards and ten touchdowns on 103 receptions across 17 games. Once again he will be leaned on as a focal part of the offense. If you have watched the clips of Justin Jefferson, you might wonder why he isn’t in pads.

Show me a better player-coach relationship than Justin Jefferson and Kevin O'Connell.

We see these two chum it up like this, all the time.

Also, great seeing Jefferson jogging around at the night practice at TCO Stadium tonight. Looks like the hamstring is good to go. pic.twitter.com/VoJcGCtQhq

— Alec Ausmus (@A_TwiceKSTP) August 5, 2025

With new quarterback J.J. McCarthy under center, and second option Jordan Addison suspended for the Minnesota Vikings’ first three games of the 2025 regular season, the offense cannot afford to be without its No. 1 weapon.

TJ Hockenson, MN Vikings OL getting healthier

Justin Jefferson is not the only player on the offensive side of the ball dealing with an injury for the Minnesota Vikings. Local inside Darren “Doogie” Wolfson shed light on some of those situations earlier this week, during his regular Tuesday appearance on SKOR North.

“On Christian Darrisaw, it’s trending [up]. I get it there’s still some boxes to check. Let’s see how he gets through next week, joint practices with the Patriots in particular, but certainly encouraging

Will Fries, slowly building back up, all of his conditioning. Ryan Kelly, elbow ok. I haven’t heard that’s some sort of long setback. T.J. Hockenson…I have not heard that the Hock injury is anything long term.”

Darren Wolfson – Skor North

Related: Former MN Vikings First Round Pick Retires

On Wednesday afternoon, Wolfson was proven correct on multiple injury fronts. TJ Hockenson returned to practice and participated in both team and individual drills. He did sit out some, as he works his way back to full-participation, but clearly he’s nearing full-health. (Emily Leiker – Star Tribune).

Hockenson, who has not played a full season in any of his three years with the Vikings. Acquired via mid-season trade back in 2022, the former Iowa standout has played in 35 of 44 possible games in purple, showing that staying on the field for 17-straight contests is a realistic goal.

Key starting offensive linemen — LT Christian Darrisaw (torn knee) and and RG Will Fries (broken arm) — have been back in the practice mix for a week or more, as both bigs continue their respective comebacks from injuries that derailed their 2024 seasons.

Latest on Ryan Kelly injury, others

Unless there’s a setback in either case, both are expected to start week one of the regular season, in Chicago. Wolfson’s update on new center Ryan Kelly (elbow) was positive. He seems to be the furthest out from a return to practicing with Minnesota’s first team.

According to Kevin Seifert (ESPN), Kelly participated in Wednesday’s walkthrough segment of practice, but sat out everything else. Sixth round draft pick Gavin Bartholomew and new OL signee, Matt Nelson, will both miss substantial time with their injuries.

Center Ryan Kelly (elbow) participated in the walk-through but not practice. He continued to be replaced by second-year center Michael Jurgens.

Kevin Seifert – ESPN

Related: 4 Wide Receivers that Vikings Should Consider

Bartholomew has been out since early OTAs, shortly after the Vikings drafted him, and Nelson (who was just picked up on July 31) suffered a bicep tear (per Wolfson) during night practice on Monday.

Ultimately, it’s good that the injuries suffered during Minnesota Vikings training camp don’t seem to be substantial, at this point. This team need as much talent at their disposal as possible, come September 8, on Monday Night Football.

Last season Sam Darnold was inserted as the starter and Kevin O’Connell positioned him with offensive talent to reel off 14 wins. It got Darnold paid by the Seattle Seahawks, and it’s why there should be a substantial level of optimism for McCarthy’s success as well.

Despite the level of talent on the offensive side of the ball for Minnesota, one insider is willing to argue against them being a top five unit.

Bill Barnwell stops short on MN Vikings offensive weapons

Few NFL insiders are more well-known than ESPN’s Bill Barnwell. He published a ranking of all 32 NFL teams based solely on their offensive weapons. That is, the wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends. Barnwell outlined the process as a valuation of 2025 performance, taking into account injury and suspension history, as well as weighting wide receivers the heaviest.

The Minnesota Vikings landed sixth, one spot behind where Barnwell had them last season.

“A true superstar receiver goes a long way, as Justin Jefferson is one of the two best wideouts in the game alongside Ja’Marr Chase. The Vikings star combines elite volume with efficiency (2.6 yards per route run), and while he benefits from a coach in Kevin O’Connell who does a great job of creating opportunities and space, Jefferson hasn’t exactly had Joe Burrow at quarterback in Minnesota. Jefferson is a Hall of Fame-caliber talent and 26 years old.

The players around him might not be as sturdy as they seemed a year ago. Jordan Addison averaged 1.8 yards per route run in his second season, but there’s a distinct possibility the 23-year-old will be suspended for part of the 2025 season after he’s tried on DUI charges this month. T.J. Hockenson is healthy after missing part of the 2024 season while recovering from a torn ACL, but the former Lions first-rounder didn’t score a touchdown and saw his efficiency retreat to where it had been with Detroit (1.7 YPRR) versus where it stood in Minnesota before the injury in 2023 (2.0).

Aaron Jones Sr. racked up 1,546 yards from scrimmage in his debut season with the Vikings, but he wasn’t great near the goal line and fumbled five times, including a midseason stretch with four fumbles across seven quarters. The Vikings have suggested they want to ease the burden on Jones by giving meaningful work to Jordan Mason, who was acquired from the 49ers this offseason. Mason was wildly efficient in San Francisco, but that team is running back heaven, and he also fumbled three times on 164 touches in 2024. I’d expect this offense to keep humming, but a lot of the players around Jefferson have something to prove.”

Bill Barnwell – ESPN

Barwell does do a great job of outlining where he thinks the Vikings have warts. It’s fair to be concerned about Jordan Addison’s possible suspension, and Minnesota doesn’t have a great upside play at WR3 unless Tai Felton or someone else overtakes Jalen Nailor.

It’s also fair to criticize Hockenson for his slide, or be leary of Aaron Jones repeating his yardage performance last season. That said, those two may benefit most from a young quarterback behind a revamped offensive line, and the addition of Jordan Mason lessening the load.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Latest Valuation is Astonishing

In total, with the weight applied to Jefferson and room for growth from Addison, Hockenson, and Mason, the Vikings being outside the top five seems like a stretch.

Who has better playmakers than the Minnesota Vikings?

While it’s an issue for me to see the MN Vikings outside of the top five, it’s more peculiar when looking at which teams are ahead of them. I have now qualms about the Philadelphia Eagles being number one. Los Angeles (5), San Francisco (4), Cincinnati (3), and Detroit (2) all seem arguable though.

The Rams do not have the tight end strength that Hockenson and Josh Oliver represent. Brandon Aiyuk doesn’t clear Addison as a top threat and Christian McCaffrey is always hurt. Cincinnati doesn’t have the running back room or tight end talent. Detroit put up points in bunches last season, but still need to substantiate that it’s real without Ben Johnson pulling the strings.

Related: Minnesota Vikings GOAT Healthy and Coming Back

Of course there’s a certain level of homerism when it comes to the pushback, but Minnesota’s talent on paper is as good or better than all of those teams. At the end of the day they still possess an elite group of playmakers. Kevin O’Connell should have plenty of ability to let them work with a new offensive line that will give McCarthy a chance.

Revisiting these rankings after the season, and seeing where the Minnesota Vikings check in next year, will be worth keeping tabs on.

For this week’s home team, the biggest question is not at quarterback or at head coach. It’s on the injury report, which has yet to release for Wednesday. Less than 24 hours ago, the Minnesota Vikings traded for Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Cam Robinson, to replace left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who was lost for the season, after tearing his ACL and MCL last week vs the LA Rams.

Kevin O’Connell gives the official green light on TJ Hockenson and Dalton Risner

But outside Darrisaw’s devastating departure, the injury skyline is looking brighter and brighter in Vikings land. On Wednesday afternoon, head coach Kevin O’Connell met with media members and gave updates on TJ Hockenson and Dalton Risner, two players coming off the Physically Unable to Perform list.

#Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell says TE T.J. Hockenson WILL NOT be on a snap count on Sunday against the @Colts.

O'Connell said he's healthy and ready to go. pic.twitter.com/H1YFfKjdwI

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 30, 2024

So, Hockenson will be active on Sunday. KOC was less committal on Risner’s status vs the Colts, however. the head coach confirmed that Dalton is 100% healthy, and that he will be in a Vikings uniform sooner, rather than later.

Related: NFL Trade Rumors: Another 2022 Vikings Draft Pick May be Exiled by Deadline

But O’Connell stopped short of confirming whether or not Dalton Risner will be active in week 9. Unlike Hockenson, Risner’s PUP practice window is not expired yet. Both players spent the first eight weeks of the season on the PUP list.

HC Kevin O'Connell said @Vikings G Dalton Risner is 100% healthy and "ready-to-roll".

He's hoping to get him up to speed this week and said "you're going to see Risner in a uniform sooner rather than later".

Risner must be activated by next Monday, Nov 04. pic.twitter.com/EaAZrrir7K

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) October 30, 2024

Not every injured Viking got the green light from KOC today, though. There was a lot of mystery surrounding Blake Cashman and his status for Sunday’s game vs the Colts, a game that was originally targeted as a likely return from his turf toe injury.

Minnesota Vikings less sure about Blake Cashman’s status vs Colts

On Tuesday, he refused an interview request from reporters in the Minnesota Vikings locker room and insider sources had gone from optimistic last week, to leaving text messages regarding Cashman on “read” this week.

Related: Vikings Reportedly Knew All Along They Were Never Activating TJ Hockenson Early

According to the Vikings head coach, during his press conference today, Cashman will have a full ‘individual’ workout on the sidelines, during practice Wednesday. How he responds to that workout will likely dictate his practice schedule and game day availability for the rest of the week.

The Minnesota Vikings injury report came out later in the afternoon. As promised, both Hockenson and Risner were full participants. Blake Cashman, unfortunately, was a DNP.

Wednesday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/xCatILnJLs

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 30, 2024

Vikings LB Blake Cashman (turf toe) is going to work on the side today during practice, per Kevin O'Connell, and then the team will determine whether he's ready to resume practicing and be in line to play Sunday night.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 30, 2024

Most likely, the former Gopher needs to practice in some sort of fashion Thursday, if he has any chance to play on Sunday night vs the Indianapolis Colts. David Quessenberry and Taki Taimani were limited. Akayleb Evans, Hockenson, Risner, Theo Jackson and Josh Oliver were listed as “Full” participants.

Nonetheless, it sure would have been nice having Hockenson on the field, especially for an offense that is suddenly finding it more and more difficult to move the ball and punch it into the endzone for six points. A fall in offensive production is one of the main reasons why the Vikings have lost two straight games, and area that T.J. will hopefully help a ton.

The Minnesota Vikings timeline for T.J. Hockenson was always now

But leading up to each of the last two games, the Minnesota Vikings listed T.J. Hockenson as “Questionable” on the team’s official injury reports; designations he carried all the way until hours prior to kickoff, when he was officially scratched.

One day after their Thursday Night Football loss against the Rams, the Vikings activated T.J. Hockenson. It was the final day of his 21-day practice window, and therefore a necessity. But according to Kevin Seifert (ESPN), Hock’s “Questionable” designations were questionable themselves, because head coach Kevin O’Connell, Hockenson and the Minnesota Vikings knew he wasn’t going to play vs the Lions, for sure.

Hockenson began running what appeared to be full-speed routes on a rehabilitation field during training camp, in full view of spectators, spawning external hope that he could return earlier in the season. Internally, however, the Vikings knew it was highly unlikely he would be fully cleared any time before their Week 8 game at the Los Angeles Rams, according to sources. In the end, they held him out of the Rams game to utilize the full 21-day practice window before adding him to their 53-man roster.

Kevin Seifert – ESPN

The Minnesota Vikings utilized different technologies to analyze Hockenson’s practice schedule. The intention was to align his training to a near-identical version of what his healthy teammates were doing. In reality, it was likely they knew last week that he wasn’t going to be a go vs the Rams, either.

Related: Maybe Jordan Addison Wasn’t Mad… But the Data Says He Should Be

What’s next for Hockenson?

As he now returns to the lineup healthy, Hockenson brings an added dimension to the offense. Much of what Kevin O’Connell has done this far runs through Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones. Secondary pass catching options have been sparsely used, and it has been basically a single-back committee.

The Iowa Hawkeye legend should help open up the middle of the field. No doubt, No 87 presents quarterback Sam Darnold with a tight end like he has never seen before. Hockenson and the Vikings have been dedicated to taking the patient route to his return, which has led to him not being on a snap count vs the Colts.

“I [felt] at seven that I was ready to go out there and start practicing. But that’s another thing that the [medical staff] here has done an incredible job, just being like, ‘Hey, you can’t yet, you can’t yet, it’s not smart.’ They do everything in the best interest of you as a person and not necessarily what you want to do or what you are asking to do.”

T.J. Hockenson on his rehab timeline (ESPN)

TJ Hockenson picking up 25 yards after the catch and taking half of Atlanta's defense with him: pic.twitter.com/eyYlLljcNG

— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) November 6, 2023

Related: 4 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Vikings’ Week 9 Matchup vs Colts

T.J. Hockenson, who racked up a career-high 960 yards receiving in just 15 games last season, will catch the attention of opposing defenses immediately. How quickly his impact will be felt in the box score remains to be seen, but you can probably bet it won’t take as much patience as his recovery did.

Minnesota Vikings downgrade Hockenson, Risner to OUT vs LA Rams

Thursday afternoon at 3 PM, the Minnesota Vikings officially ruled their pro bowl tight end and pass block specialist at right guard OUT tonight vs the Rams. Both players were limited all week long, in practice, but it was believed they had a very good chance to make their season debuts. But when push came to shove, neither was elevated from their 21-day PUP practice window.

The #Vikings have elevated DL Jalen Redmond and TE Robert Tonyan to the active roster for tonight's game.

TE T.J. Hockenson and G Dalton Risner have both been downgraded to OUT.

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 24, 2024

Vikings showing extreme caution with TJ Hockenson

For Hockenson, this seems like a move of precaution. The game tonight will be played on artificial turf and the Vikings can give their very expensive tight end another two weeks to rehab his injury, if they sit him out tonight. Their next game is Sunday, November 3 vs the Indianapolis Colts.

Related: Wait… the Minnesota Vikings Eat How Many Uncrustables?

Friday (Oct 25) is the final day the Minnesota Vikings can activate Hockenson and put him on the active roster. Once a 21-day PUP practice window comes to an end, a player must be elevated or placed on season-ending injured reserve. Unless something crazy happens, he will be on the Vikings’ active roster tomorrow.

WTF is going on with Dalton Risner?

The decision to keep Dalton Risner’s practice window open doesn’t make as much sense. It’s been about a week since Risner stood in front of Vikings reporters and told them he was 100% and ready to play immediately. Three days later, vs the Lions, the 29-year-old five-year NFL vet was not active.

Related: The Adam Thielen to Minnesota Vikings Trade Rumors are Here

Now, just four days later, he’s inactive again. Dalton Risner’s window was triggered after Hockenson’s, so his 21-days is not up until November 4, after Minnesota’s next game vs the Colts. Does Risner have any trade value? That could be argued, but i’d be surprised if Kwesi Adofo-Mensah wouldn’t jump at the chance to move him, if given one.

More Minnesota Vikings pregame roster moves

While Hockenson and Risner were downgraded, the Minnesota Vikings elevated DL Jalen Redmond and TE Robert Tonyan to the active roster for Thursday Night Football. Redmond has seen some snaps for Brian Flores’ defense, when active (16 snaps). He will also play on the field goal block unit. Tonyan has 13 offensive snaps this season and 12 special teams snaps.

In fact, a strong case can be made for the upcoming Los Angeles Rams matchup being one of the easiest games on the Vikings’ schedule thus far. Yet, this isn’t your typical matchup against a 2-4 team. After all, Kevin O’Connell mastered his craft under the watchful eye of Sean McVay, and now he gets to go toe-to-toe with his former mentor.

This means Coach McVay and Coach O’Connell have a strong sense of what the other wants to do in any given situation. However, that same reasoning could leave for a few surprise punches in the mouth on Thursday. As we’ve done for each matchup on the 2024 schedule, it’s time for some Vikings bold predictions against the Rams.

Related: Upcoming Minnesota Vikings Game Flexed to Prime Time

Sam Darnold has new career-high in passing yards

Thursday marks the return to where two current Vikings starred in college, a visit to the Golden State, where Sam Darnold and Jordan Addison parlayed successful careers into becoming first-round picks. Minnesota’s quarterback is enjoying a breakout season, but his best may be yet to come.

• Sam Darnold stats (2024): 1,370 passing yards (17th), 8.4 YPA (4th), 12 TD (4th), 5 INT (12th-most), 104 QB Rating (7th)

So far, the most passing yards Darnold has had in a single game as a member of the Vikings came in Week 4 against the Packers, when he racked up 275 yards. Believe it or not, Darnold’s career-high in passing yards came as a rookie, far before the Jets completely shattered his confidence, when he had 341 yards, coincidentally also against Green Bay. No wonder Kevin O’Connell liked this guy.

Darnold also matched his personal best of 341 yards in 2023 as a member of the Panthers. But on Thursday, he’ll have the very best skill position group of talent he’s ever had when T.J. Hockenson joins his fellow Pro Bowl pass-catchers.

With Coach O’Connell having a chance to show his former employer what they’re missing out on, don’t be surprised to see some of the best plays in the Vikings’ playbook. It could lead to Darnold shattering his career-high in passing yards.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Seriously Considering a Move to Dalton Risner

Jordan Addison sets new career-high in receiving yards

Even though it’s just his second NFL season, it already feels like Jordan Addison is an accomplished receiver. Yet, did you know he’s only had two 100-yard games in his young Vikings career? What’s arguably even more surprising is that his single-game career-high in receiving yards is 123, which came in Week 7 last year against the 49ers.

That game was at home, at U.S. Bank Stadium. But on Thursday, Addison gets to return to California, where he also thrived as a member of the USC Trojans. T.J. Hockenson is expected to return to the starting lineup, which could draw more attention away from Addison, plus, Justin Jefferson’s gravitational pull is always an X-Factor on game day too.

• Jordan Addison’s stats (2024): 12 receptions, 209 yards, TD

With more defenders worried about what Jefferson, Hockenson, and even Aaron Jones are capable of, we could see Addison break loose for a new career-high in receiving yards on Thursday. It wouldn’t be all that surprising, considering the Rams have a young, inexperienced secondary that could be prone to making more mistakes.

After all, they do allow the fourth-most passing yards per attempt among all NFL teams. As a result, Addison could be in for his best game as a member of the Vikings. After Addison got called out by Coach O’Connell for not finishing his route in last Sunday’s loss to the Lions, expect the young star to be at his best.

Related: Cooper Kupp’s Role Uncertain For Comeback Game Vs. Vikings

T.J. Hockenson catches two TDs 2024 Minnesota Vikings debut

The day is finally here, or, it will be… on Thursday. Sam Darnold has long-awaited the return of T.J. Hockenson. Sure, he’s gotten to see what it’s like to throw to the two-time Pro Bowl tight end in practices, but he’ll finally get to experience the real thing in a live game in Week 8.

Hockenson is itching to show he’s ready to hit the field at full speed, destroying any and every defender in his path. It may be his first game back, but it’s a juicy matchup for anyone who still has one of the NFL’s best tight ends rotting away on their bench in fantasy leagues.

Seriously, the Rams are allowing more fantasy points to opposing tight ends in the NFL than any other team. This is largely because they’ve allowed the second-most touchdowns to tight ends, but they’ve even allowed 407 yards to them across six games, which is the fourth-most in the league.

So don’t be surprised if Darnold finds No. 87 often once the Vikings get near the red zone, because not only is he his biggest target as a pass-catcher, he should also get some great matchups.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Add New Player To Team After Week 7 Loss

Brandon Powell scores punt return touchdown against former team

Punt return touchdowns are extremely rare in the NFL nowadays. Punters are instructed to kick the ball out of bounds when facing the best returners. Yet, Brandon Powell, while servicable, is not one of the NFL’s best returners. The Rams know this, otherwise they would have held onto their former player.

Nevertheless, one team’s trash is another’s treasure, and Powell has at the very least provided a steady punt returning presence for the Vikings’ special teams. Yet, it’s been a long time since he’s touched paydirt. Powell hasn’t scored a special teams touchdown since 2021, which actually came against the Vikings.

Brandon Powell with a HOUSE CALL on the punt return! #RamsHouse

📺: #LARvsMIN on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/QL1FPk9uSj

— NFL (@NFL) December 26, 2021

However, if there’s ever a time to feel some extra motivation, it’s during a revenge game against your former team. Powell will have the opportunity to play in front of many members of his old coaching staff and a few teammates too. What better way to show the Rams made a mistake than by having a momentum-swinging punt return touchdown?

Being that there’s only been three punt return touchdowns in the NFL this season, don’t hold your breath. But when it happens, we’ll be the first to tell you we told you so.

• Vikings vs Rams prediction: Vikings 31, Rams 16

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