The next Vikings roster move is looking reasonably obvious.
Moving on from J.J. McCarthy means adding an open roster spot (at some point, another quarterback needs to be added). Similarly, the biceps injury to TE Josh Oliver means seeing a roster spot open up, as well. At minimum, there’s going to be an addition along the edge by bumping up veteran pass rusher Kyle Van Noy. That’s the necessary pivot after his strong opening trio of games.
Kyle Van Noy to the 53:
Look for the Pass Rusher as Next Vikings Roster Move
An NFL team is only allowed to elevate a player three times. After doing so, the only way to get a player from the practice squad onto the field for a game is by carving out a spot on the 53-man roster.
So, do the Vikings want Mr. Van Noy on the roster?
The veteran pass rusher has been active for all three games. Almost quietly, Van Noy has been offering sturdy play. His statistics show 7 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 quarterback hits, and 4 tackles for loss. His production comes as the EDGE3 behind starters Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. Not too shabby, especially upon remembering that he’s a 35-year-old who got signed just before the 2026 season.
Consider the NFL’s rules surrounding the practice squad and the 53-man roster.
The word from Sports Illustrated: “Teams can make as many as two practice squad players available to participate in regular-season games. On game days, NFL teams can increase their 53-man rosters to 55 players by elevating practice squad players. Only 48 of those players can participate in a game, which means seven must be declared inactive approximately 90 minutes before kickoff.”
And then the key detail: “But each player can only be elevated to the roster a maximum of three times. Before being made available for a fourth game, they must be added to the active roster.”
A trio of games into the season, the Vikings are now at decision time. Sign now or forever hold your peace.
Kyle Van Noy isn’t an elite option but he’s sturdy out there. Better yet, he’s a smart football mind who can be leaned on to help keep the Brian Flores defense moving. That’s worth a modest raise and a spot at the end of the roster.
Presumably, this has been the plan all along. Graft him into things on the PS before then getting him fully into the mix after he proved himself across the opening three weeks.
As for other Vikings roster decisions, there’s now some need for help at quarterback and tight end. Somebody such as QB Nick Mullens (Jaguars) and TE Nick Vannett (Ravens) make some sense due to some recent experience playing in Minnesota.
Each reside on their current team’s practice squad.
Next up for Minnesota is a Week 4 game against the terrible Miami Dolphins. Climbing to 4-0 is the expectation regardless of what roster moves get made.