Vikings Announce 3 Roster Moves on Saturday
Next on the docket, one week after stealing the win in Detroit’s Ford Field, are the Baltimore Ravens in a home game. The Minnesota Vikings want to try to win back-to-back contests for the first time this season, but Lamar Jackson and his squad certainly want to prevent that from happening.
Vikings Announce 3 Roster Moves on Saturday
Either way, the Vikings announced three roster moves one day in advance, and they could affect the game.
1. Jeff Okudah Placed on IR
Minnesota’s CB3 Jeff Okudah will be held out for at least the next four contests. The defender suffered his second concussion of the season in Thursday’s Night(mare) game, versus the Los Angeles Chargers.
His first one of the season, which he suffered on the final play in the season opener, cost him Week 2. A second concussion within a single season often leads to a more prolonged absence. That has also been the case for center Ryan Kelly, who’s slowly working his way back from his stint on IR.
On Friday, head coach Kevin O’Connell told the media that his corner was still experiencing symptoms, which certainly is an alarming update: “We handle this with a certain level of care. With this one, we want to be extra cautious. He is still in a place where he is not symptom-free.”
2. Fabian Moreau Signed to 53-Man Roster
Down to only three cornerbacks on the 53-man roster, the Vikings had to add a fourth one, and they just promoted practice-squadder Fabian Moreau.
The veteran has played a ton of football throughout his career, but at 31, he’s long past his prime. Still, he got the trust of defensive coordinator Brian Flores over sophomore Dwight McGlothern and played about a third of the snaps against Detroit.
Expect him to once again play a role on Sunday. After the game, the Vikings could be buyers on the free-agency market. Asante Samuel Jr. had a visit with the franchise on Friday. He has five others scheduled, but there’s a chance Minnesota gets the nod with a clear opening at hand.
3. Elevated Corey Kiner to Sunday’s Roster
While Moreau is now set to stay on the roster for the foreseeable future, the time is limited for running back Corey Kiner, who will return to the practice squad after the game. On Sunday, however, the 23-year-old is set to make his NFL debut.
The Vikings have Jordan Mason available, and starter Aaron Jones is trending in the right direction to complete the duo. Fellow practice squad employee Cam Akers has already been called up three times, which is the limit for the season.
Kiner was a productive back at the University of Cincinnati, eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards in 2023 and 2024. The runner went undrafted and signed with the San Francisco 49ers. In August, the 49ers waived him, and in September, the Vikings added him to the practice squad.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.