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The Brian Flores Defense May Have Lost 1 Starter for MNF
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- The Brian Flores Defense May Have Lost 1 Starter for MNF
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Were it not for the Brian Flores defense, the Vikings would be sitting atop a 1-6 record instead of a 6-1 record. Unfortunately for the Vikings, Coach Flores is likely going to be without a starter at safety in the Week 9 Bills game.
Kevin O'Connell chatted with the Minnesota media earlier in the day . Most of the focus rested on the switch at QB1 . Do note, though, that he chatted about Theo Jackson, who is working through a quad issue that's threatening his status for the Week 9 game. The early outlook isn't promising.
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Brian Flores May Not Have Theo Jackson for W9
"He won't practice today with that quad," O'Connell said about the safety's injury.
The head coach went on: "Obviously, we feel good about our depth there. Jay Ward's always been a guy that could give us really significant snaps. He's got a bunch of experience in the system. And then between Jacob Thomas, Harrison Smith, and 4-4 [Josh Metellus], and we'll take a look at it throughout the week if we want to possibly have another safety on the game day roster."
At the risk of stating the obvious, Jackson being unable to practice is a bad sign. The good news is that there's an extra day to get back to full health since the Bills game arrives on Monday rather than Sunday. What will likely be needed is to see at least some level of practice participation to feel confident in dressing Jackson.
Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chaz Chambliss (32) celebrates with safety Theo Jackson (26) during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Pretty quietly, Theo Jackson has started all seven games in 2026. Of all the in-house options, the long and rangy Jackson is the best center fielder on Minnesota's roster. He has 21 tackles and 1 pass defended this season. On PFF, he's the highest-graded safety among the options who play significant snaps.
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Josh Metellus has been getting tasked with more duty down the field but he's better when he's allowed to hangout close to the line of scrimmage. Harrison Smith boasts elite intelligence but isn't as spry as the Hitman of yesteryear (watch him try to hang with Jameson Williams on that touchdown catch last week).
Otherwise, the turn will be toward Jacob Thomas, the rookie UDFA who glides on the field. Can he get tasked with a hearty helping of snaps against the most dangerous offense in the NFL?
Somebody who didn't get mentioned by name is Jakobe Thomas. So far, the 2026 3rd has been inactive for the entire season . His modest start to his career was easy to justify early since he missed so much of August with an injury. Continuing to see him on the sidelines, though, would lead to some concern given that a Day 2 selection should at least be able to help on specials.
Finally, note that rookie corner Chuck Demmings have been demoted recently. Could the CB5 be active to help offset the loss elsewhere in the secondary?
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The thinking isn't that he'll get tasked with playing safety. Rather, the thinking is that Demmings could be inserted at corner while then tasking Byron Murphy Jr. or Isaiah Rodgers — smart, versatile veterans — to take on that burden of playing out of position. It's possible.
Sep 27, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. (14) carries the ball defended by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) and safety Harrison Smith (22) during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
No matter how things go, Brian Flores appears very likely to have a spiffy game plan.
At this stage, aggression seems like a foregone conclusion. What's not as clear is how the coverage in the secondary gets adjusted or tweaked to account for Theo Jackson possibly missing the game.
The Monday Night Football tilt is scheduled for Monday, November 10th. Kickoff is set to arrive at 7:15 p.m.
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