More importantly, their QB — arguably the biggest dual threat quarterback in NFL history (maybe Michael Vick?) — Lamar Jackson, who would easily be on pace to win his third MVP award, if not for an injury that cost him three of Baltimore’s eight games.

Much like their week 10 opponent, the Ravens are healthier now than they have been all season, even posting a completely clean injury report at the beginning of this week. On Friday afternoon, the Vikings countered with a final injury report of their own that, removing all but four players from their no-fly list vs Baltimore.

Final Injury Inactives: Minnesota Vikings almost all the way back

Aaron Jones suggested he’d be back on the field vs Baltimore, but the Vikings made him “questionable” entering the weekend. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Theo Jackson, who failed to make his way out of concussion protocol in time for kickoff.

Minnesota’s promising young safety showed symptoms Monday when he arrived at TCO Performance Center, fresh off a Vikings upset over the Lions the day before. Just like last week, both Josh Oliver and Jeff Okudah remain out. Neither player practiced this week. Other than that, the Minnesota Vikings are a full-go Sunday.

Final #Vikings injury report

OUT: Jeff Okudah and Josh Oliver

QUESTIONABLE: Theo Jackson and Aaron Jones Sr. pic.twitter.com/EU7eWwep3o

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 7, 2025

Kevin O’Connell has been without a bunch of key pieces this year, on both sides of the football. But things appear to be on the upswing, in the MN Vikings injury department. Of course, we all know how quickly that can change.

The Vikings enter their matchup vs Baltimore as pretty significant underdogs (+4.5) for a home team, especially with a home field advantage like what U.S. Bank Stadium offers. In other words, they’ll need all hands on deck to claim their second-straight victory, both of which would come in upset fashion.

Vikings far from injury free… but it could be worse

This is Jeff Okudah’s second concussion of the season, so it’s no surprise the Vikings are taking things slow with him, much like they have with center Ryan Kelly, who returned to practice this week, in a very limited fashion.

Head Coach Kevin O'Connell provides an update on CB Jeff Okudah pic.twitter.com/7z1GnlE2sB

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 7, 2025

We knew Josh Oliver’s injury would be a little while too. So while both absences hurt, we know very well how much worse it could be. Lamar, Derrick Henry and the boys in purple and black will be locked and loaded, fresh off destroying the Miami Dolphins in week 9.

Much like they did Goff and the high powered Lions offense one week ago, the Minnesota Vikings must find a way to rattle Jackson and keep him from beating him with his legs… or winning will be awfully difficult, especially when you are still trying to take the training wheels off your own quarterback, on the other sideline

Jeff Okudah and Josh Oliver, who both missed the Lions game, didn’t practice. Neither did Harrison Smith (rest). Theo Jackson was a DNP too, after suffering a concussion that was diagnosed Monday.

CJ Ham, however, returned to the practice field in a limited fashion, as did Josh Metellus and Jalen Redmond. Will Fries (calf) also showed up for one of the first times all season, as limited. But on Thursday, the outlook got a little bit brighter in multiple spots.

Week 10 Injury Report: Minnesota Vikings get healthier Thursday

Will Fries was a full participant today, as was Metellus and Smith. Jackson moved to the next stage of concussion protocol, as he too was a limited participant, after taking yesterday off.

Unfortunately, Okudah and Oliver remain out. As has been the case for most of the season, Darrisaw was a DNP on Thursday, after putting in a full day of practice on Wednesday.

Related: Asante Samuel Jr Visit is Not What You Think…

The 4-4 Minnesota Vikings will play against Lamar Jackson and the 3-5 Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon, looking to pull off their second upset victory in as many weeks. JJ McCarthy will make the fourth start of his NFL career and second since returning from an ankle injury he suffered week two.

This week 10 matchup is at U.S. Bank Stadium, yet the Ravens come in as -4.5 point road favorites, showing just how up against the odds Minnesota really is in this matchup. If the Vikings are going to stand any chance of another surprise victory, they will need all hands on deck, just like they had in Detroit.

Vikings place Theo Jackson in concussion protocol

On Monday, Jackson arrived at TCO Performance Center showing mild concussion symptoms. As a result, the Vikings placed him into concussion protocol, a move head coach Kevin O’Connell announced to reporters during his day-after-game press conference this afternoon.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell provides an injury update on Theo Jackson. pic.twitter.com/QXBHLm1Src

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 3, 2025

“[Theo Jackson] came in this morning with some very mild symptoms and we want to be safe, there. So, he will go into concussion protocol and we will see how he can progress throughout the week.”

Kevin O’Connell

The MN Vikings entrusted much of Cam Bynum‘s role in previous seasons, to Jackson, who has impressed those in Eagan since being selected No. 204 overall (6th round) in the 2022 NFL Draft.

He’s played in all eight of the Vikings game so far this season, and started six. The 27-year-old has totaled 31 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 1 recovered fumble so far.

Ryan Kelly working way back to Minnesota Vikings lineup

When the Minnesota Vikings signed Ryan Kelly this offseason, he was a huge part of their plans to reconstruct the offensive line in a way we had not seen during the Kevin O’Connell / Kwesi Adofo-Mensah era. Unfortunately, the five starters they were going to roll out in 2025 have yet to play a snap together.

But now, four of those five starters are healthy. The only one still out is Kelly, who has played just three games so far this season, racking up two concussions in the process. After his latest head injury, which he suffered week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in London, was the fifth of his career.

Related: JJ McCarthy Rides Emotional Roller Coaster After Impossible Vikings Win

Despite many fans and media members, including myself, suggested Kelly retire following his latest concussion, that doesn’t appear to be in the 32-year-old‘s plans. This week, Ryan Kelly will get back on the MN Vikings practice field, where he will begin to ramp up for an eventual return this season.

O’Connell told reporters on Monday that the Vikings have not yet activated the center’s 21-day practice window, but that will assumedly be coming soon enough. In other words, it may still be weeks (not days), but Minnesota could have its full complement of offensive lineman for the first time all season, sooner than later.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell expects C.J. Ham to return to practice, while Josh Oliver and Ryan Kelly will start working with trainers on the side field. pic.twitter.com/FGKjD7f2kG

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 3, 2025

“Ryan Kelly will also begin some of that side-field work. I don’t really have an update, at this time, [on] opening his [practice] window, or anything like that. But we want to get him started. He seems to be in a good place and we want to see the next part of that process begin.”

Kevin O’Connell

Other MN Vikings injury updates

The head coach also announced the return of CJ Ham to practice this week. Finally, Josh Oliver will also start working out individually, alongside Ryan Kelly. Aaron Jones will also ramp up throughout the week, after sustaining an AC Joint injury, in hopes of starting vs Baltimore.

It has been obvious since the moment Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks that this team was going to be quarterbacked by McCarthy. There has been an influx of new talent, but the team still has weaknesses, entering the season… at least on paper.

They still seem light at cornerback, even if those in the building disagree. Up until last week, they were extremely thin at wide receiver, too. Adam Thielen saved the day there, but nonetheless, Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings still had a few interesting developments for the team’s first official depth chart of the season.

Week 1 depth chart reveals new wrinkles for Minnesota Vikings

When the Minnesota Vikings cemented their initial 53-man roster, it included a boatload of undrafted free agents. They cut some veterans, and that meant young talent would have a pathway to playing time. Now seeing how they are positioned, there are definitely some notable names to key in on.

Despite being a late addition, it’s Wentz who will backup McCarthy ahead of everyone’s hero Max Brosmer. That could change as the year goes on, and will be a competition to watch. But it’s interesting that, after just one week on the roster, he’s already listed as QB2

It’s not necessarily shocking that Chandler would be the third running back behind the starting tandem. However, he was definitely outplayed in the preseason by Zavier Scott, and looked like a potential cut candidate for much of training camp. Also, the Vikings are clearly serious about Jones and Mason splitting carries near 50/50.

Adam Thielen just got back into town last week. He’s still ahead of Nailor on the depth chart, and that should continue once Jordan Addison returns from his suspension as well.

The usage of safeties by the Minnesota Vikings is a unique wrinkle to Brian Flores’ defense. Theo Jackson is going to see plenty of reps, but Metellus is listed as the starter, alongside Harrison Smith, who hasn’t practiced in nearly a month. Yet, there he is listed at the top of the depth chart for free safeties week one.

Related: Former MN Viking Fought the Law and Lost Again

Matt Daniels is rolling out an entirely new return team. Undrafted free agent Myles Price will handle punt return duties. He had 23 attempts for Indiana last season in college, and he averaged 12.6 yards per return.

The hope is that Tai Felton develops into a starting caliber wideout, but he’s behind Nailor in that regard at this point. He’ll handle kick return duties. That’s a role he hasn’t held since 2022 (as a sophomore) with Maryland. He turned six kicks into 150 yards (25 yards per attempt).

They also brought back their 2024 starting running back Aaron Jones, their best young cornerback Byron Murphy Jr and the anchor of their defensive secondary, Harrison Smith, among a number of other moves, all of which you can find in our catalogue of recent MN Vikings articles.

But one position the front office has yet to address, and one that they reportedly have no plans to upgrade, is free safety. Yes, they lost up-and-coming celebration coordinator/defensive back, Cam Bynum, this offseason. They were never going to pay him the $15 million per season he got from the Colts.

Minnesota Vikings determined to start Theo Jackson at safety

Instead of diving head-first into free agency, and signing a veteran with lots of games under his belt, like they have elsewhere, the Minnesota Vikings have decided to promote from within. According to multiple reports last week, including one from ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, head coach Kevin O’Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores are ready to hand the job to 2022 6th round pick, Theo Jackson.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Priority Draft Target Revealed

But on Monday, in a “way too early” power rankings article at ESPN (where the Vikings ranked No. 10), Seifert doubled down on his earlier report, diving deeper into just how confident the coaching staff is in how Jackson will perform atop the free safety depth chart. He writes that the Vikings “have every reason to believe he will be an effective starter”.

10. Minnesota Vikings

Way-too-early ranking: 10

Under-the-radar move: Re-signing safety Theo Jackson

Realizing they were going to lose incumbent starter Camryn Bynum in free agency, the Vikings got his understudy signed and locked down for the next three years. Jackson has been impressive in the past two training camps and in his limited defensive snaps. In exchange for a reasonable deal worth a little more than $9 million, the Vikings secured a replacement for Bynum who has given them every reason to believe he will be an effective starter. — Kevin Seifert

ESPN

Who is this new Vikings’ starting safety?

The MN Vikings signed Theo Jackson to a 3 year, $9.3 million contract extension last offseason, showing him just how serious they were about his future. In 43 games played, Jackson has a total of 47 tackles, 2 interceptions. 4 passes defended and one fumble recovery.

Whatever Seifert and other reporters are being told, it must be coming from someone pretty significant. Since, you know, Theo Jackson has never started an NFL game during his three-year career. An obvious starter would probably have more than 221 defensive snaps since 2022. In comparison, Jackson has played 875 snaps on special teams, in that same time.

Excited to see more from Theo Jackson in the Vikings' secondary this season and beyond. He's looked good when he's gotten opportunities on defense. A versatile safety who can line up at various spots in Brian Flores' defense and make plays. pic.twitter.com/DZ1z3v3iSW

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) March 6, 2025

Don’t get me wrong, I am not doubting Seifert’s reporting. I’m more so raising my eyebrow at this supposed decision. It just feels really early in the offseason to crown an unproven 26-year-old 6th round draft pick as your starting safety.

The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of money to spend. Maybe they’re being honest about their plans at safety, or maybe they have an eye on someone in the draft and don’t want anyone to know. It’s also possible that Brian Flores doesn’t value the free safety position in his defensive structure, like he does other positions.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Showing Interest in Speedy Baylor Wide Receiver

That would make sense, seeing as how the Vikings never got on the same page during negotiations with Cam Bynum. No matter how the next few months play out, the Vikings have clearly been impressed by Jackson. And they aren’t the only ones. PFF has loves him too, even in his limited opportunities.

On paper, one of the most obvious positions ripe for an upgrade before training camp is free safety. After the departure of Cam Bynum, who signed for $15 million per year with the Indianapolis Colts, that position appears to be wide open.

Given how the MN Vikings have operated, to this point in the offseason — determined to fill every hole on the roster — you’d think defensive coordinator Brian Flores would have GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on the hunt for Harrison Smith’s next partner in crime, after the 37-year-old future Ring of Honor member (again) chose not to retire this offseason.

The only remaining free safety on the Minnesota Vikings’ roster currently, is 26-year-old former Tennessee Volunteer, Theo Jackson, who Kwesi & Co selected in the 6th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. But Jackson is a day three draft pick with ZERO starts under his NFL belt, which wouldn’t seem to fit the Vikings plan at starting safety… right?

Minnesota Vikings all set at safety for 2025…?

Wrong. According to both Kevin Seifert (ESPN) and Alec Lewis (The Athletic), the MN Vikings are ready to promote Theo Jackson into the starting lineup on defense. Thus, they do not appear to be on the lookout for more safety help, which is why they signed him to a 3 year, $9.3 million contract extension last offseason.

Jackson, who had impressive training camps in 2023 and 2024, is going to be a starter in 2025. The Vikings knew that Camryn Bynum was going to get offers beyond what they wanted to pay him at the position, knowing that fellow veteran Harrison Smith was likely to return for at least one more season.

Kevin Seifert – ESPN

The staff and players have felt strongly about Jackson for years. He impresses in practice and throughout training camp when the team gives him meaningful reps. He’ll likely have many of them this fall, occupying the deep safety spot next to Smith.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

Clearly, the Minnesota Vikings do not view their 2022 No. 204th overall pick as a career backup, with a knack for special teams. Instead, they are telling reporters that Theo Jackson is their 2025 starting safety. And they must feel pretty good about that, because there are options out there and the Vikings have money to spend.

Jackson may not have any starts at the NFL level, through three seasons in the league, but he has plenty of playing experience, in that time. He played in all 17 games for the MN Vikings in 2024, but only got 79 snaps on defense. Jackson made his biggest impact on special teams, where he played 361 snaps.

Is Theo Jackson ready for this promotion?

In 42 career games, Theo Jackson has totalled a whopping 915 snaps on special teams and just 222 snaps on defense, according to Pro Football Focus. In that limited playing time, however, Jackson’s defensive PFF grades were pretty impressive, as are his special teams grades. He’s smart, good in coverage, and a willing tackler.

Related: Vikings O-Line Rental Lands Generous New Deal Elsewhere

Theo Jackson looked fantastic in run defense against the Raiders. He is hopefully someone that can be trusted as a sure tackler in the box. pic.twitter.com/LTvjuyNOhI

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 13, 2024

Only time will tell whether or not Jackson comes out of training camp with the job, but that seems to be the plan, at least for now.

But general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah — or Kevin O’Connell, being we aren’t sure who is calling the shots in Eagan right now — is making moves on Thursday, and it signals a likely change in the Vikings secondary next season.

Minnesota Vikings extend Safety Theo Jackson

Late this morning, news broke via Edina native Tom Pelissero (NFL Network) that the MN Vikings are extending the contract of safety Theo Jackson. Per DotComTom, as he is called by the Power Trip Morning Show (KFAN), where he is a regular guest, it’s a $12.6 million extension that runs through 2027.

The details on Jackson’s new contract are a bit murky, for now, being Jackson was a Restricted Free Agent this offseason. Thus, a two-year extension would technically only run through 2026. Either this is a three-year deal that is factoring in his RFA tender, as popular Vikings analyst Nick Olson pointed out on Twitter, or Pelissero has his years wrong.

The #Vikings and safety Theo Jackson agreed to terms on a two-year, $12.615 million extension through 2027, with the first two years fully guaranteed at signing, per source. Deal done by Equity Sports Agency.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 6, 2025

Related: Nobody Knows Who is Calling the Shots for Vikings

Either way, it looks like Theo Jackson, 26, is returning to the Minnesota Vikings on a deal that wouldn’t be afforded to a player who isn’t expected to see the field in the very near future.

Last season, Jackson played in all 17 games, totalling just 17 total tackles, 1 interception and 3 passes defended, as the Vikings’ third conventional safety. Josh Metellus plays a hybrid safety/nickel/linebacker role in Brian Flores’ defense, and played a lot last season.

What does Theo Jackson extension mean for Cam Bynum?

Theo’s new deal begs to question what the MN Vikings’ plans are this offseason at safety. The 2022 6th round draft pick out of Tennessee looks like he could be the new starting safety, and we are yet to hear back on whether or not Harrison Smith will retire or Cam Bynum will come back on an extension of his own.

But on Thursday, following the announced extension for Jackson, Alec Lewis (The Athletic) all but reported what the new deal means for Minnesota’s secondary next season. According to the Vikings beat writer, Cam Bynum is likely on his way to a new opportunity.

On Cam Bynum: Team obviously really likes him, didn't want to lose him. His reps and Vikings negotiated extension up to season but couldn't find common ground on number. Theo deal opens door to him starting next to Harrison Smith, if Smith returns. https://t.co/DrnNjUsQbk

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) March 6, 2025

Related: Vikings Eyeing Two Linemen in Free Agency + Lots More…

If we read between the lines on Lewis’ tweet, it seems pretty clear that Cam Bynum will not be a Viking in 2025. We aren’t sure if Theo Jackson can replace Bynum as a Celebration Coordinator, but it looks like Brian Flores is confident in what he replace what Cam offered his defense before and after the ball was snapped for the last two seasons.

Harrison Smith expected to return to MN Vikings

Pair Alec’s hints with the most recent reporting from Darren Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North) that Harrison Smith is likely to return, and the 2025 Minnesota Vikings secondary is suddenly starting to take shape, especially at the safety positions.

“On Harrison Smith, I’ll continue to say my sense is he wants to play football for another year, that will be here with the Vikings. The love he has for Brian Flores, I’m telling you — not that he doesn’t love Durante Jones or his Friday morning coffee sessions with Kevin oconnell, others in the building that are important to him — but that bond he has with Flores is through the roof.

Like, if Brian Flores had gotten a head coaching job [elsewhere], I’m almost convinced we’d be sitting here talking about Harrison Smith retiring, that he wasn’t going to come back without Flores present. But with Brian Flores locked in and expected to sign a contract extension at some point before the season starts, but certainly locked in for 2025, I fully anticipate Harrison Smith to be back.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

The Vikings are now shifting their attention to the Green Bay Packers, their opponent this Sunday. A win would move Minnesota to 14-2 and set up a Week 18 showdown against the Detroit Lions with the NFC’s #1 seed on the line.

Minnesota Vikings Week 16 PFF Grades

We can’t overlook this game against the Seahawks. The Vikings went from leading by 10 to trailing by 4 late in the game, but they fought hard to keep their NFC North hopes alive. Here’s a look at the top performers for the Minnesota Vikings this week, as graded by PFF.

Top 5 Offense

• Justin Jefferson – 81.5 PFF Grade (64 snaps)
• Sam Darnold – 78.4 PFF Grade (66 snaps)
• Blake Brandel – 76.2 PFF Grade (66 snaps)
• Dalton Risner – 68.7 PFF Grade (66 snaps)
• Jordan Addison – 61.5 PFF Grade (59 snaps)

Justin Jefferson was the top offensive player in this game, and if you tuned in, it’s easy to see why. He racked up 10 catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns, completely dominating the Seahawks’ defense.

#Vikings continue to find answers against split-safety coverage vs. Justin Jefferson. On this one, the pre-snap motion creates inside leverage for Jefferson; Addison's deep route occupies the safeties and Darnold throws a strike on the move. 27-yard gain. pic.twitter.com/0kfgzhTF2J

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) December 23, 2024

It’s also worth pointing out that two offensive linemen made the list as well. With such strong play up front, the offensive line has been a huge reason why Sam Darnold has found success all season.

Top 5 Defense

• Dallas Turner – 91.3 PFF Grade (16 snaps)
• Theo Jackson – 85.3 PFF Grade (20 snaps)
• Pat Jones – 80.4 PFF Grade (27 snaps)
• Josh Metellus – 77.9 PFF Grade (64 snaps)
• Shaquill Griffin – 75.3 PFF Grade (25 snaps)

Rookie Dallas Turner earned the highest grade on the team, but his performance came with some challenges. He only played 16 snaps, recording one interception. The Seahawks made it a point to challenge Turner, and he held up formidably.

When the rookie dropped into coverage, Geno Smith targeted his receiver four time, which resulted in three catches. Nonetheless, his INT still pushed his coverage grade all the way to 93.5 and three catches.

.@UnoErra snags it!

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/wzbuV3yS8a

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 22, 2024

Josh Metellus stood out the most on the top 5 list, having the most impressive grade thanks to his workload. He played a whopping 64 snaps, racked up nine tackles, and even managed to apply some pressure on the quarterback with 4 total pressures.

Bottom 5 Offense

• Garrett Bradbury – 41.4 PFF Grade (66 snaps)
• Jalen Nailor – 50.8 PFF Grade (35 snaps)
• T.J. Hockenson – 52.2 PFF Grade (46 snaps)
• Cam Robinson – 55.2 PFF Grade (66 snaps)
• Aaron Jones – 55.7 PFF Grade (54 snaps)

It’s frustrating to see center Garrett Bradbury receive such a low grade this week. He really struggled with pass blocking, earning a 26.6 pass-blocking grade. His run-blocking grade wasn’t much better at 46.0, which contributed to his overall score of 41.1, the lowest on the team.

TJ Hockenson had a rough week, catching only 2 passes for 27 yards. He spent a lot of time on the line, earning a pass blocking grade of 18.1. However, he performed better in run blocking with a grade of 51.3. Hockenson will need to improve his play, as he’ll be a key piece for the team heading into the playoffs.

Bottom 5 Defense

• Bobby McCain – 52.3 PFF Grade (37 snaps)
• Blake Cashman – 55.1 PFF Grade (64 snaps)
• Jerry Tillery – 56.7 PFF Grade (23 snaps)
• Harrison Phillips – 57.3 PFF Grade (39 snaps)
• Stephon Gilmore – 58.8 PFF Grade (60 snaps)

Blake Cashman is definitely one of the most disappointing names on this list. The Vikings are 12-0 when he plays this season, which shows just how important he is to their defense. However, according to PFF, he struggled in his last game with tackling, earning a low grade of 31.9, which is why he’s ranked among the bottom five.

Related: Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Flexed for Week 17

Bobby McCain had some big shoes to fill stepping in for Harrison Smith, and while he ended up with the lowest grade on defense, it’s worth cutting him some slack. This was the most playing time he’s had all season, and he had only appeared in two other games before Week 16.

The Minnesota Vikings continue to prove there worth

Riding an impressive 8-game winning streak into Week 17, the Vikings continue to prove why they’re 13-2 and one of the top teams in the league. Week in and week out, they show what it takes to stay at the top.

Even when key players like Blake Cashman and Garrett Bradbury have off games, there’s always someone ready to step up. Whether it’s rookie Dallas Turner or Blake Brandel, they’ve got the depth and resilience to keep pushing forward.