Devin Culp, the former Buccaneers tight end, is about to get his first taste of regular-season action in 2026. The Minnesota Vikings just called him up from their practice squad for Sunday’s massive Week 10 showdown against the Green Bay Packers, and it’s all because their tight end room is absolutely decimated by injuries. This is a huge moment for Culp, who’s been grinding for another shot, and a desperate play for the Vikings as they head into a crucial divisional game.
The Vikings’ Injury Nightmare Just Opened the Door
Minnesota’s tight end situation is brutal right now. Starting tight end T.J. Hockenson is completely out for Sunday’s game, dealing with both wrist and chest injuries. And it gets worse: Josh Oliver has been sidelined since Week 3 after tearing his biceps. That leaves the Vikings with Gavin Bartholomew and Ben Yurosek as their only other healthy tight ends heading into a high-stakes divisional battle. That kind of injury crisis creates massive opportunities, and Culp, who only joined Minnesota’s practice squad on October 28, is now front and center. The team also elevated wide receiver Jeshaun Jones for the matchup, showing they’re pulling out all the stops for depth.
From Washington to Tampa, Now a Huge Shot in Minnesota
Culp’s journey to this moment has been a rollercoaster. He was originally drafted by Tampa Bay out of Washington in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft, picked 246th overall. Over two seasons with the Buccaneers, he played in 18 games, snagging six receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown on seven targets. Most of that came in his rookie year: five catches for 88 yards in just five appearances. His lone reception in 2025 was a six-yard touchdown, finishing that year with 13 appearances. He never locked down a consistent offensive role in Tampa Bay, primarily making his contributions on special teams.
His time with the Buccaneers ended unceremoniously, as they waived him on August 30, 2026, then signed him back to their practice squad the very next day. But that return was short-lived; Tampa Bay released him from the practice squad on September 2. It wasn’t until October 28 that the Vikings gave him another shot by signing him to their practice squad. Now, just weeks later, he’s on the active roster for a massive game.
Lambeau Field Showdown: What’s on the Line
This isn’t just any game. The Vikings roll into Sunday with a 6-2 record, facing off against a 6-3 Packers squad in a huge divisional game at Lambeau Field. The stakes are immense. While Bartholomew and Yurosek are still options, Culp’s elevation gives the Vikings a much-needed additional tight end as they scramble to adjust to Hockenson’s absence. His experience on special teams could be his ticket to playing time, even if offensive snaps aren’t guaranteed right away. For Culp, this is everything: a chance to earn a real role in the league after being cut loose twice by the Bucs before the season even started.
Sunday’s game isn’t just another matchup, it’s a huge divisional battle. Whether Culp gets significant snaps or shines on special teams, this is his shot. The stakes are sky-high for the Vikings, and all eyes will be on how this unexpected call-up impacts their push in a crucial road test.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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