Soon enough, the Minnesota Vikings will drop from 91 players to 53 players. The deadline arrives on Sunday, August 30th. Afterwards, the focus will firmly shift toward what's going to arrive on September 13th.
In Week 1, the Green Bay Packers will travel to Minnesota for an early NFC North battle. A pair of injured Vikings are working toward being back in action for that game: offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan and safety Theo Jackson . Neither represent the difference between winning and losing but both offer value to the Vikings. Since the margin is thin in the NFL, the Vikings want both to be available.
So far, the Minnesota Vikings have been quite fortunate with injury.
The lonely exception has been Jamal Adams . The veteran got added late in the offseason but quickly became a fan and locker room favorite. In fact, DC Brian Flores said that the defensive staff had been working on packages for the newcomer prior to him losing his season. Adams is a unique talent even if he's a bit older, though Harrison Smith could possibly do some of what Adams promised to offer.
Otherwise, the injuries have been about normal bumps and bruises, such as J.J. McCarthy's minor ankle ailment .
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) intercepts a pass against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The Caleb Tiernan and Theo Jackson injuries have been somewhat unique insofar as they're more medium-level problems .
The rookie OT got hurt in that Giants preseason game. According to PFF , Tiernan struggled out there in his NFL debut, but did health factor into the mix? Consider, as well, that the Giants boast some terrific talent along the defensive line.
Look for Tiernan to be a versatile backup option in 2026 as a smart kid who boasts impressive size.
Meanwhile, Jackson looks to be of more consequence. All things being equal, the safety is likely to start in Week 1 opposite Josh Metellus ( does Jacob Thomas have something to say about that? ). Normally, Jackson will get tasked with playing the free safety role as Metellus creeps closer to the line of scrimmage, but Coach Flores can put those expectations into the blender. Each will move around a lot.
Jackson is playing on a three-year contract that's paying him an average of $3.1 million per season ( OTC ). He struggled to acclimate to a larger role last season but is trying to bounce back as he solidifies himself as a full-time starter in the NFL.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) and Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (26) celebrate after a play against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Part of the reason why the Packers demand respect is due to their ability to chew up the field with deep bombs.
Jordan Love has developed into a fringe top-ten passer in the NFL. Nobody thinks he's in the same range as Patrick Mahomes , Lamar Jackson , Josh Allen , and Joe Burrow . He could, however, be in that next tier of passers who are very good. Love's arm strength isn't an issue.
As for weapons, Christian Watson stands out as somebody who fits the profile of a normal deep threat since he's very tall and fast. Watson averages 17 yards per catch in his NFL career.
Theo Jackson will be tasked with keeping a roof on the defense. In youth football, the assignment for the free safety is often to ensure he's the deepest man on the field at all times. The NFL is more sophisticated than high school ball but that basic idea shines through: Jackson can't let somebody like Watson behind him.
Sep 14, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (25) intercepts pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.
Next up for the Vikings is the third and final preseason game on Friday night. Neither of Caleb Tiernan nor Theo Jackson are going to be out there. Keeping them sidelined is with the ambition is getting them into the mix for Week 1.
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