The Vikings will have to trim their game-day roster again Sunday, and a few names already look like strong bets to land on the inactive list against the Lions.
One of the clearest cases is Max Brosmer. Minnesota’s third quarterback will dress for the game but still count as inactive.
He is set to serve as QB3 behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz, ready only for an emergency situation. Brosmer has yet to take a snap this season, though the Vikings do have a player with 71 pass attempts available if needed.
Up front, the tackle situation points toward rookie Caleb Tiernan being the odd man out. Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill are expected to play, and Ryan Van Demark gives Minnesota a swing tackle option.
That makes Tiernan, who has logged 11 offensive snaps and 10 special teams snaps this year, an easy inactive call. He has been used before as an extra blocker with Josh Oliver on season-ending injured reserve, but Ben Yurosek has taken over that job.
At running back, Aaron Jones was on the injury report this week while working through a knee issue, but he does not carry a designation that would keep him out Sunday. Jordan Mason is also available, which leaves Dee Jay Dallas and Demond Claiborne competing for the RB3 spot. Dallas is likely to be elevated from the practice squad again after doing the same against the Colts last week, and if that happens, Claiborne would almost certainly be inactive.
Elijah Williams also looks headed for another week on the sideline. He has been inactive for every game this season, and there does not appear to be any injury-related opening above him on the depth chart. Williams was active in seven games last season and played 71 total snaps on defense and special teams, but the Vikings have too much depth in front of him right now for him to find a role.
The one real question mark is Jay Ward. He is questionable with a knee injury, and his status could create a chance for rookie Jakobe Thomas to finally get his first NFL action.
Ward has played only four defensive snaps this season, but he has been a major special teams piece with 110 snaps there. If he can’t go, Thomas would likely be asked to help fill that role.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell may want to see what the rookie can do, and this week could be the right time.
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