Minnesota Vikings News

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T.J. Hockenson • TE • Vikings

T.J. Hockenson Could Be Poised for Expanded Role in Minnesota

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson has not produced much value for fantasy managers so far in 2026, recording nine catches for 76 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets across three games. However, the 29-year-old could be poised for a larger role in the Minnesota passing game going forward. Superstar Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) suffered an ankle injury during the team's Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jefferson reportedly avoided a serious injury and could even be active for Minnesota's Week 4 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Still, if Jefferson is unable to play, Hockenson could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a tight end streamer ahead of Week 4.

8 hours ago

Justin Jefferson • WR • Vikings

Justin Jefferson Could Play in Week 4

Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) sprained his ankle in the team's Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but there is a chance that he will not miss any time and start in Week 4 against the visiting Miami Dolphins this Sunday, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. Jefferson's MRI results were encouraging on Monday, with head coach Kevin O'Connell saying that he "avoided anything long-term." The 27-year-old caught just two passes for 32 yards before leaving Sunday's contest, but fantasy managers have to be happy with the fact that he might not miss any time at all. The Vikings were close to bringing Jefferson back into Sunday's contest a "couple of times," which shows that his ankle injury was pretty minor. The four-time Pro Bowler has not had time to gel with quarterback Kyler Murray so far through three weeks, but they could have a great matchup to take advantage of this weekend against Miami. Jefferson is a must-start WR1 in fantasy if he can play in Week 4.

9 hours ago

Justin Jefferson • WR • Vikings

Justin Jefferson Avoids Long-Term Ankle Injury

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) suffered a left-ankle sprain in Sunday's 23-16 win over Tampa Bay, but he appears to have avoided a long-term absence. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Monday that Jefferson's imaging was encouraging and there is a chance he plays Sunday against Miami. Jefferson hurt the ankle on the final play of Minnesota's opening drive. He walked off under his own power, spent time in the medical tent, and later returned to the sideline, but he never got back into the game and was ruled out in the third quarter. Jefferson finished with two catches for 32 yards. His Week 4 status is still uncertain, but the early news is encouraging.

13 hours ago

Josh Oliver • TE • Vikings

Josh Oliver to Miss the Rest of the Season With Torn Biceps

Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (biceps) suffered a torn biceps muscle in the Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and needs season-ending surgery, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Oliver will miss the rest of the 2026 regular season, and he will be a long shot to return if the Vikings have a deep playoff run. The 29-year-old former third-round selection of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 from San Jose State was not on the fantasy football radar as a pass-catching TE, but he was extremely valuable to the Vikings' offense as a blocker. His 2026 season will end after just three games and three catches (five targets) for 46 yards. Oliver did have seven combined touchdowns for the Vikings in 2024 and 2025, but he has never surpassed 28 receptions or 258 receiving yards in a single season since making his NFL debut with the Jaguars in 2019.

14 hours ago

Jauan Jennings • WR • Vikings

Jauan Jennings a Low-Priority Waiver Option Following Teammate's Injury

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings has caught only one pass for one yard since joining the team on a one-year free agent deal, but with four-time All-Pro Justin Jefferson (ankle) potentially sidelined, he could be thrust into a larger role. Jefferson left Sunday's win over the Buccaneers, and while initial reports indicate his ankle injury doesn't appear overly serious, his status will need to be monitored leading up to a Week 4 matchup with the Dolphins. In Jefferson's absence, Jordan Addison led the team with 90 yards and a touchdown on five catches, and he becomes a priority add wherever available, but Jennings should also see more involvement if Jefferson suffers a setback or misses time.

16 hours ago

Justin Jefferson • WR • Vikings

Justin Jefferson's Injury Doesn't Sound Too Serious

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) was forced to leave during the first half of Sunday's victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said Jefferson got close to returning to the game multiple times, Ben Goessling of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. The Vikings are going to continue to evaluate Jefferson, but it doesn't sound like his ankle injury is too serious. He finished Sunday's game with two receptions on two targets for 32 yards. The Vikings have a home matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 4. Fantasy managers should stay tuned to see if Jefferson will be available for that game.

Yesterday

Justin Jefferson • WR • Vikings

Justin Jefferson Ruled Out on Sunday with Ankle Injury

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's contest due to an ankle injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The star wideout sustained this injury in the first half and will now be sidelined for the remainder of the contest. Before exiting, the 27-year-old brought in both of his targets for 32 yards from Kyler Murray. Managers should watch his status after the contest, as the team will likely provide an update. For the remainder of the game, Jordan Addison should operate as the WR1 while Jauan Jennings slides into the No. 2 role.

Yesterday

Justin Jefferson • WR • Vikings

Justin Jefferson Questionable to Return Against Buccaneers

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to an ankle injury, the team reported via the X platform. The veteran wideout caught both of his targets and registered 32 yards before leaving Sunday's game. The former All-Pro was viewed as a top fantasy performer heading into Week 3 against a struggling Buccaneers defense. T.J. Hockenson had the only other reception for Minnesota, and Tai Felton missed his one target. Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings are both active for the Vikings.

Yesterday

Tai Felton • WR • Vikings

Tai Felton Remains Without Legitimate Role

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton has done nothing to contribute in the passing game yet. In fact, Felton has only played five percent of the offensive snaps during the first two games of the season. Barring any injuries, Felton is unlikely to have much of a role at all in the passing attack this season. The Vikings brought in Jauan Jennings this offseason to be the third wideout behind Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson. The second-year wideout has no clear path to playing on this roster right now. There's some dynasty stash value because one injury could move him into a starting role, but Felton is unlikely to do anything until then.

3 days ago

Jerome Ford • RB • Vikings

Jerome Ford Could Get Involved for Vikings this Weekend

Skor North's Darren Wolfson thinks that Minnesota Vikings running back Jerome Ford could be more involved than people think in the Week 3 contest this Sunday against the hosting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Aaron Jones Sr. had 23 carries for over 100 rushing yards in the Week 2 win over the division-rival Chicago Bears with Jordan Mason (thumb) on Injured Reserve, but the veteran back came out of it with an injured knee and could be battling through more knee issues this weekend. The Vikings do not appear prepared to give too much work to rookie Demond Claiborne, so Ford could see more action than both Claiborne and DeeJay Dallas behind Jones. The 27-year-old Ford was not active for either of the first two games of the season for the Vikings, so he is merely a speculative waiver-wire addition right now in deep fantasy football leagues. In his four NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns, the former fifth-rounder has averaged 4.3 yards per carry with 1,463 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 57 games (18 starts).

3 days ago

Aaron Jones Sr. • RB • Vikings

Aaron Jones Sr. to Have "Limited Role" in Week 3?

Skor North's Darren Wolfson sees Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (knee) "fighting through" his knee soreness to play on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and believes that Jones will have a "limited role" compared to the Week 2 win over the division-rival Chicago Bears. The 31-year-old veteran had 23 carries for 105 yards in the 9-3 victory, but he was not targeted in the passing game. "I'm not expecting even 15 touches if he's able to go on Sunday, to me, it's a very limited role. I'm looking at Jerome Ford. More than DeeJay Dallas, more than Demond Claiborne," Wolfson said. Jordan Mason (thumb) is on Injured Reserve and will miss three more games, so Minnesota's backfield depth will be tested early on. With Jones potentially limited on Sunday, Wolfson speculates that Jerome Ford may play more than rookie Demond Claiborne and DeeJay Dallas. Even though Mason is missing another game, Jones is shaping up as a very shaky RB2 for fantasy managers this weekend. Do not expect another 20-plus-carry game.

3 days ago

Kyler Murray • QB • Vikings

Kyler Murray In Starting Range For Return To Lineup

Back from injury, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray returns to the lineup with an immediately favorable matchup in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The first-year Viking hasn't played since sustaining a concussion in Week 1, presenting the chance that the Minnesota passing game could be off schedule as he reacclimates, but his next opponent has been friendly to quarterbacks so far this season. Despite blitzing at the third-highest rate in the NFL, the Bucs currently rank 28th in pressure percentage. They've also allowed points on more than half of their opponents' possessions, missed 18 tackles, and allowed a completion percentage over 75% through two games. Historically, the Vikings have not fared well in Tampa -- Minnesota is 1-7 there since 1998 -- but the current state of the Bucs offers Murray an opportunity for a productive return to the lineup. He's RotoBaller's No. 11 quarterback for Week 3.

3 days ago

Aaron Jones Sr. • RB • Vikings

Aaron Jones Sr. Brings RB2 Potential After Getting Green Light

A once-murky Minnesota Vikings backfield was as clear as could be last week, giving running back Aaron Jones Sr. (knee) RB2 potential now that he carries no injury designation into Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran was terrific in the Vikings' win in Chicago last week, carrying the ball 23 times and surpassing 100 yards rushing, though he briefly departed the game with the knee injury that caused him to miss practice time this week. Tampa's defense has struggled through two weeks --they rank in the bottom five in missed tackles and have allowed opponents to score on more than half of their possessions -- and Minnesota expects the return of starting quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion), which should take pressure off the Vikings' rushing attack. The conditions are favorable for Jones, who is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 20 running back this week. He brings starting potential to most formats.

3 days ago

Demond Claiborne • RB • Vikings

Injuries Keep Door Open For Demond Claiborne

Injuries in the Minnesota Vikings' backfield could present a prime opportunity for Demond Claiborne, although the first-year running back comes with significant risk ahead of a Week 3 visit to Tampa Bay. The rookie played for the first time last week in the absence of running back Jordan Mason (thumb), though he did not carry the ball and caught his only target for two yards. Instead, the Vikings rode top running back Aaron Jones Sr. (knee), who carried 23 times and surpassed 100 yards, but sustained an injury that caused him to miss practice time this week. Officially listed without a designation, Jones is the clear top option, but it's open season behind him with a cast that includes journeyman DeeJay Dallas, Claiborne, or recently signed Jaret Patterson. The Vikings could get a boost from the return of starting quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion), and even with Jones active, Claiborne could see the field more in Week 3. Claiborne is too unproven to start in most leagues for now, but he also could be a worthwhile bench stash in best-ball formats or for rosters that could use additional running back depth.

3 days ago

Justin Jefferson • WR • Vikings

Struggling Bucs Defense Up Next For Justin Jefferson

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson has one of the top matchups in fantasy football this week as the Minnesota Vikings are set to take on the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3. The former All-Pro saw a modest performance last week as the Vikings played it safe in horrible weather conditions in Chicago, though he'll have better circumstances this week. Starting quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) is back in the lineup in time to face a Buccaneers defense that has struggled immensely through two weeks: Tampa has allowed opponents to score on more than half of their possessions and complete 75.4% of passes, which is worse than every team except Miami. The Bucs also rank in the bottom five in pressure percentage, air yards allowed, and missed tackles. As RotoBaller's No. 4 receiver this week, Jefferson could have week-winning potential if Murray is sharp in his return from injury.

3 days ago

Jordan Addison • WR • Vikings

Favorable Conditions For Jordan Addison Against Buccaneers

Following a tough-luck start to the season, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has an excellent chance to regain some fantasy relevance in Week 3 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Vikings played most of their first two games without starting quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) and leaned on the run in a rain-drenched Week 2 win at the Bears. Now, though, Murray is back in time to face a wayward Bucs defense, which could be great news for Addison. The Bucs rank in the bottom five in completion percentage allowed, air yards allowed, and pressure percentage, opening the door for the USC product to have his first quality receiving game of the year. As RotoBaller's No. 33 receiver this week, Addison is a WR3/flex option with some potential to break his early-season slump.

3 days ago

T.J. Hockenson • TE • Vikings

T.J. Hockenson Sees Good Matchup, Return Of QB in Week 3

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson remains in the TE2 range as his team tries to stay unbeaten with a Week 3 visit to Tampa Bay. The former first-round pick has been steady if unremarkable through two weeks as the Vikings played the majority of their offensive snaps with backup quarterback Carson Wentz. Now that starter Kyler Murray (concussion) is back in the lineup, managers should have a clearer view of Hockenson's role in the Minnesota offense this season. The timing is fortuitous, as the Buccaneers have struggled, ranking 30th in air yards allowed, 28th in pressure percentage, 28th in missed tackles, and 31st in completion percentage allowed through two weeks. Playing in an offense with three solid receivers and a quality pass-catcher at running back, however, will limit Hockenson's overall ceiling. As RotoBaller's No. 20 tight end this week, Hockenson should be saved mostly for formats that start multiple tight ends.

3 days ago

Will Reichard • K • Vikings

Middling Potential For Will Reichard At Tampa

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard should be considered a middle-of-the-road fantasy option when his team takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3. So far, the third-year kicker has been steady through two games, making all four extra points and all four field goal attempts, including three last week in Chicago. Minnesota's offense hasn't exactly been a work of art so far, though the Vikings should be closer to their best version now that starting quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) is set to return. Reichard is RotoBaller's 15th-ranked kicker this week, but the setting in Tampa should at least be preferable to the horrible weather conditions last week against the Bears. As an All-Pro last year, Reichard is an option for most games, but managers might be able to find a streamer with a better matchup this week.

3 days ago

Aaron Jones Sr. • RB • Vikings

Aaron Jones Sr. Will be Active in Week 3

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that veteran running back Aaron Jones Sr. (knee) will be active on Sunday in Week 3 on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Jones came away with a knee issue after the Week 2 win over the division-rival Chicago Bears, but he was able to do enough in practice this week to be cleared. The 31-year-old saw a hefty 23 carries for 105 yards last Sunday after the Vikings placed backfield mate Jordan Mason (thumb) on Injured Reserve. With Mason out for at least another three games, Jones is in line for more of the lion's share of backfield touches, but can his body handle the workload increase? It is something the Vikings are a bit concerned about, so expect rookie Demond Claiborne and DeeJay Dallas to see as much complementary work as they can handle this weekend in Tampa. Fantasy managers should consider Jones a volume-based, low-end RB2 option as the Vikings look to start the 2026 season with a 3-0 record. Jones should have a slightly higher ceiling this week for fantasy managers with quarterback Kyler Murray returning from the concussion he suffered in Week 1.

3 days ago

Aaron Jones Sr. • RB • Vikings

Aaron Jones Sr. Practicing Again on Friday

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (knee) is practicing again on Friday, which is a good sign for his availability on Sunday in Tampa against the Buccaneers in Week 3, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. Jones came out of the Week 2 win over the division-rival Chicago Bears with a knee injury, but he appears to be trending towards playing this weekend. The 31-year-old veteran only has 12 carries for 40 yards in the season-opening win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers, but he did score on the ground. With Jordan Mason (thumb) on Injured Reserve, Jones had a hefty workload this past Sunday, carrying the ball 23 times for 105 yards. He was not targeted in the passing game. A heavy workload like that might not be sustainable for Jones, though, and rookie Demond Claiborne, DeeJay Dallas, and Jaret Patterson will provide depth behind him until Mason is eligible to return. At best, Jones should be considered a low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex in Week 3 if he is active.

3 days ago

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