The Minnesota Vikings need help along the offensive line and at tight end. The reason why is due to the injuries to LG1 Donovan Jackson alongside TE2 Josh Oliver.
So, it’s good news that the Vikings opened the door to possibly getting some help.
Minnesota’s official social media sent along word. Consider the announcement: “The #Vikings have signed WRs Odell Beckham Jr. and Jeshaun Jones to the practice squad. C Michael Jurgens and TE Ben Yurosek have returned to practice.”
Vikings Open Door to Pair of IR Players
Part of the reason why the news could be flying under the radar is due to being partnered with the Odell Beckham Jr. update. That’s a detail that tends to hog the attention since the receiver is a superstar.
But then there’s the possible re-additions of Jurgens alongside Yurosek. These two could have more of an impact on Minnesota’s capacity to compete in 2026 than the receiver signing. Beckham is a practice squad option while the other two look likely to be active for most of Minnesota’s remaining games.
Jurgens, in particular, feels close to mandatory at this stage.
Losing Jackson is the injury that most stands out as it relates to Jurgens. What makes things worse is that Christian Darrisaw is working through a concussion, meaning the LT’s status in Week 5 is in doubt.
The point isn’t that Jurgens will play offensive tackle. Rather, he’s another option along the interior, thereby freeing guys like Ryan Van Demark and Caleb Tiernan to focus on the offensive tackle position.
And then there’s the need at tight end. As with the left guard position, the tight end position is in a tougher spot due to losing a starting-level talent. Oliver, like Jackson, is done for 2026.
Putting Yurosek back into the mix therefore comes as a nice boost. He’s not a major threat as a pass catcher but he’s a scrappy, competitive blocker who made the roster last year for precisely that ability: being scrappy and competitive as a blocker.
Minnesota’s depth chart would feature T.J. Hockenson up top with Gavin Bartholomew alongside Yurosek to battle for the remaining work. Note, as well, that rookie fullback Max Bredeson could get tasked with some tight end snaps.
Of course, the Vikings still need to activate these guys to get them off the IR, but the possibility is now officially there. Putting in some strong work in practice will need to precede being activated, but at least the Vikings opened the chance to see Michael Jurgens and Ben Yurosek return.
Next up for the Vikings is a Week 5 game down in New Orleans.