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A Pair of Vikings Rookies Have Been M.I.A. Across 2 Weeks
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- A Pair of Vikings Rookies Have Been M.I.A. Across 2 Weeks
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
At 2-0, the Minnesota Vikings have very little to complain about. And, to be sure, there shouldn't be much bellyaching from those who follow the team.
So, understand the purpose here. We're making note of a basic fact rather than trying to ignite the flames of online fury.
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Simply note that a pair of 3rd-Round Vikings rookies have yet to play . Worse yet, they're not even dressing for games, meaning there's not even a chance to get put onto the field. The players in question are OT Caleb Tiernan alongside S Jakobe Thomas. Where things go with these two is a minor story to monitor as the season continues progressing.
Vikings Rookies Jakobe Thomas and Caleb Tiernan Not Dressing
Part of what has stood in the way of these two has been health, or lack thereof.
Mr. Tiernan hurt his ankle early in the preseason, leading to some missed time as he worked himself back to full health. Now healthy, Tiernan has yet to be leaned on for the offensive line beyond the practice field.
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And then Thomas had to sort through a back injury. He got worked into the mix at the end of the preseason by soaking up a pile of work in that final Broncos preseason game. Losing reps to his injury limited his capacity to jostle for playing time early on, possibly contributing toward a tumble down the depth chart.
Nov 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Joseph Himon II (6) celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Caleb Tiernan (72) against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
To be clear, neither was projected to become a starter as a rookie.
Caleb Tiernan appeared to be somebody who could function as a versatile depth piece. He boasts the height of a tackle but the arm length of a guard. So, too, does he offer high-level athleticism and brains. Using him for a variety of different spots made sense, at least in his rookie year.
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Jakobe Thomas had a clearer pathway toward a large job. Coming into late-July, the Vikings had Josh Metellus as the lonely locked-in starter at safety. Next up were Theo Jackson and Jay Ward. What then made things tougher was the explosion from Jacob Thomas alongside the return of Harrison Smith.
Thomas is now on the outside looking in at safety. He'll need to keep hustling to show that he can be leaned on for both Brian Flores and Matt Daniels.
Aug 28, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) runs for a touchdown ahead of Minnesota Vikings safety Jakobe Thomas (8) and safety Kahlef Hailassie (25) in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
So far, the best rookies have been 5th-Round rookie fullback Max Bredeson, UDFA safety Jacob Thomas, and UDFA punter Brett Thorson. 3rd-Round defensive tackle Domonique Orange has had some nice moments and 1st-Round defensive tackle Caleb Banks tossed some nice stats onto the sheet on Sunday.
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The Vikings rookies have therefore found a way to contribute early on.
Caleb Tiernan and Jakobe Thomas will look to join the other players from within the overall draft haul as contributing pieces of the puzzle.
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