The Minnesota Vikings are heading into their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a few notable roster adjustments already in place.
The biggest move is at punter. Johnny Hekker has been signed to the 53-man roster after joining the practice squad earlier this week, and he’ll take over punting and holding duties this week. That comes with Brett Thorson ruled out because of a hamstring injury.
To clear space for Hekker, the Vikings put offensive lineman Nick Samac on injured reserve, which will keep him out for the next four games. Samac came to Minnesota on waivers from the Carolina Panthers after final cuts this year, and he’s been inactive for both games the Vikings have played so far.
Minnesota also made two practice-squad elevations, bringing up outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy and safety Tavierre Thomas. Van Noy’s call-up is his third of the season, so if the Vikings want him available beyond this week, they’ll need to sign him to the 53-man roster.
A player can only be elevated from the practice squad three times in a season. Van Noy has logged 30% of Minnesota’s defensive snaps so far this year.
Thomas is being elevated for the first time this season.
There’s also a situation to watch with linebacker Ivan Pace, who did not travel with the team to Tampa because of a personal issue and is now listed as questionable for tomorrow. The source did not specify who would replace his snaps if he can’t go, though rookie Jake Golday could be in line for his first defensive snaps of the season if Pace isn’t able to make it to Tampa in time.
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Vikings Take A Late Defensive Hit Before Huge Bucs Matchup
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Any trade talk would have to run through Kevin OConnells view of McCarthys future, and that is where the real debate starts. OConnell has shown interest in developing him, which makes an in-season deal feel complicated even before you get to the value question, but recent quarterback trades suggest McCarthy would not command a massive haul, perhaps landing somewhere in the range of a fourth- or sixth-round pick. [Read more 🡒]
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Bell flashed in the preseason, and Minnesota has not been shy about searching for answers as the offense tries to find more consistency through the air. He has yet to turn that into a real regular-season impact, but the door appears open for more opportunities if the Vikings decide they need another receiver to help lighten the load. [Read more 🡒]