The Vikings Lose Some Muscle Before Getting Dropped in Detroit’s Lions Den for Week 9
All things considered, things went reasonably well for Daniel when he was tossed into the lions den. What happens when the Vikings get tossed into the Lions’ den? Coming out unscathed appears unlikely.
Making things more difficult will be the absence of rugged tight end Josh Oliver. According to Kevin O’Connell, the TE2 doesn’t appear like he’ll be ready to roll for the pivotal NFC North game: “He’s got a kind of a foot sprain where he’ll likely not have a chance to participate this week.” The plan is to “reevaluate” Oliver after the upcoming game.
The Vikings Lose Muscle Ahead of Lions in W9
Once upon a time, I had the chance to chat with Josh Oliver.
Listed at 6’5″ and 259 pounds, Mr. Oliver is at least that huge. In fact, one could make the case that he’s likely heavier than his listed weight (if memory serves, coaches have suggested he’s closer to 270). All of that was evident when being close enough to him to actually shake his (massive) hand. Even among NFL players, Oliver stands out as someone who is very muscular and very rugged.
The Vikings are a team that isn’t known for being overly physical and intimidating. Skill? Oh, yes, plenty of that. Playing bully ball isn’t necessarily where Kevin O’Connell specializes, though.
During the spring and summer, Minnesota made an earnest effort to address the issue. Signing new RG1 Will Fries to a meaty deal was meant to increase the nastiness up front. So, too, was adding LG1 Donovan Jackson in the 2025 NFL Draft alongside veteran C1 Ryan Kelly (someone who has been hurt for most of the year) about making the offense more physical. The cherry on top was trading for Jordan Mason, an RB2 who packs a wallop in his shoulder pads.
At tight end, the Vikings are leaning on TE1 T.J. Hockenson (a trade candidate?), TE2 Josh Oliver, and TE3 Ben Yurosek. In theory, that’s a position that ought to feature a great pass catcher, a great blocker, and then a young, all-effort young fella to round out the room.
More recently, there has been a move to re-welcome Ben Sims. The depth tight end is back in Minnesota after beginning his career as a Viking before becoming a Packer. Grafting Sims onto the roster yet again likely flows from missing Mr. Oliver for at least a week.
The Vikings, in other words, are able to weather the injury storm at tight end. There are three other options currently on the roster. Step back to consider the practice squad and there are a couple more options: veteran Nick Vannett alongside rookie Bryson Nesbit.
None, however, will be capable of bulldozing through defenders in the same manner as Oliver.
The 28-year-old blocking specialist has snagged 5 passes for 61 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2025. Not earth shattering numbers from a receiving standpoint, but reflective of the manner in which Oliver gets used in Minnesota. After all, we’re talking about someone who has only been targeted 7 times, so opportunities have been scarce.
The Vikings will miss Oliver on Sunday versus the Lions. Slowing down an edge rusher as formidable as Aidan Hutchinson is going to require the Vikings to play excellent football. Being able to lean on LT1 Christian Darrisaw and RT1 Brian O’Neill is a good place to start — no certainty with Darrisaw and O’Neill both recovering from injuries — but leaving any OT on an island with Hutchinson is a foolish approach.
The Vikings, in other words, could use the competitive toughness that Oliver offers.
Kickoff for the Week 9 game is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT and will be taking place inside of Ford Field. Winning would mean climbing up to .500 just ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
Ideally, the Vikings could then get Josh Oliver back into the lineup while trying to rally behind J.J. McCarthy to push for an unlikely playoff berth.
