Rough news just dropped out of Minnesota, folks, as the Vikings officially placed tight end Josh Oliver on injured reserve. Oliver apparently tore his biceps while out there blocking on a field-goal attempt last Sunday. That’s a brutal break for him and a tough hit for the Vikings’ offense early in the season.
Next Man Up: Van Noy Steps In, Brosmer Gets the Call
With Oliver sidelined, the Vikings wasted no time making moves, signing outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy and quarterback Max Brosmer from their practice squad to the active 53-player roster. We knew Brosmer’s promotion was coming, it was reported earlier. But Van Noy, man, he’s earned this. He joined the practice squad before the season even started and got elevated for each of the first three games. He’s been making plays, totaling seven tackles already, with four of those for loss, and he’s even got 1.5 sacks. That’s some serious production for a guy who just got the call up. The team needs that kind of firepower, especially with Oliver out.
Punter Pandemonium and a Return from Suspension
Beyond the injury, things are wild in Minnesota’s special teams department. The Vikings terminated the contract of punter Johnny Hekker. Talk about a whirlwind! Hekker just signed to their practice squad last week, then got bumped to the active roster on Saturday. He was filling in for undrafted rookie Brett Thorson, who injured his hamstring back in Week 2. Hekker actually put in some work, punting eight times for 372 yards, averaging 46.5 yards and netting 41.5. He even placed two inside the Buccaneers’ 20-yard line and blasted a 63-yarder. Plus, he held cleanly for two extra points and three field goals by Reichard, who’s got a perfect 26 consecutive made field goals streak going. You gotta wonder what’s up with that move after a solid, albeit brief, showing. On the bright side, receiver Jeshaun Jones is back on the 53-player roster after completing his three-game suspension by the NFL.
These roster moves are definitely shaking things up for the Vikings as they navigate the early regular season. Losing Oliver hurts, but seeing Van Noy make an immediate impact is exactly what they need right now. The punter carousel, though? That’s a head-scratcher and something we’ll be watching to see how it plays out for them.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
Leave a Reply