Jakobe Thomas’ path to Vikings game-day snaps got even narrower after Week 7.
The rookie defensive back was among the six players listed as inactive for Minnesota’s Week 7 win over the Colts on Sunday, extending a frustrating start to his NFL career. Since the Vikings took him in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Thomas has not been active for a single game.
That’s the reality for the 23-year-old safety right now: patience, more waiting, and very little room to force the issue. Even with opportunities theoretically available at his position earlier in the season, Thomas still hasn’t cracked the lineup.
And after Sunday, the competition around him looks even sturdier.
Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, and Theo Jackson all turned in strong performances against Indianapolis. Smith posted four tackles, a half-sack, and the game-sealing interception.
Metellus finished with seven tackles, good for second on the team. Jackson added five tackles, tying for third on the Vikings.
All three also graded well on Pro Football Focus.
Even fellow rookie S Jacob Thomas saw four defensive snaps, bringing his total to a modest 26 on the year.
Those showings make it easier for defensive coordinator Brian Flores and head coach Kevin O'Connell to leave the safety group alone for now. That only raises the bar for Jakobe Thomas heading into Week 8, when Minnesota travels to face the Lions, a team averaging the second-most points in the league at 30.7 per game and the second-most total yards at 397.3.
For Thomas, the most realistic route to a role may come through special teams. He’ll need to keep making an impression there in practice, especially with special teams coordinator Matt Daniels. That may not be the flashiest path, but it’s the one that could get him onto the field on game day.
Thomas is also one of only two rookies picked in the first 100 selections of the 2026 draft who has been inactive in every game this season. The other is Broncos defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim.
At this point, the former Miami (FL) defensive back is still waiting for his first regular-season appearance. The work now is simple, even if the payoff isn’t immediate: stay ready, keep learning from Smith, Metellus, and Jackson, and wait for O'Connell, Flores, and company to open the door.
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