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The Vikings News: 3 Quick Updates for Week 8
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- The Vikings News: 3 Quick Updates for Week 8
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
The Vikings news never fully stops. Lately, the effort here has been to corral some of what got missed in a Friday morning piece.
So far, the coverage on Vikings Territory has considered a Minnesota issue on offense , signing a pair of tight ends , and the positions to monitor at the trade deadline . Moreover, there was some chatter to consider what the Vikings' GM promised at the trade deadline , uplifting Jake Golday with more snaps , and a former Viking joining J.J. McCarthy in New York . Consider what's been missed.
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Vikings News: 10.30.2026
No. 1 — Levi Drake Rodriguez (and Others) Doing Nice Stuff
Sep 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs with the ball along the sideline against Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez (50) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
The on-field work is vital. Even more important is the work that gets done off the field. Check out what starting DT Levi Drake Rodriguez did earlier in the week:
Kudos to #Vikings Levi Drake Rodriguez, Elijah Williams, Jahvaree Ritzie, and others for helping host a trick-or-treat celebration today at Children's Minnesota-St. Paul: pic.twitter.com/OLsdct8t9Y
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) October 27, 2026
Credit to C.J. Ham. And credit for Rodriguez, as well. The rugged, energetic defensive tackle is a great representative of the Minnesota Vikings. Hard to believe Minnesota found him in the 7th.
Oh, and well done to the other Vikings players who took time to make Halloween a bit more special for these kids.
No. 2 — Once Again, A Player of the Week
Sep 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (obscured) celebrates with linebacker Blake Cashman (51) and quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) after sacking Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (not pictured) to end the game in the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Unsurprisingly, Blake Cashman has been honored with the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week award. He joins teammates Isaiah Rodgers, Myles Price, Will Reichard, and Byron Murphy Jr. as award winners in 2026.
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Consider what Rob Kleifield of the team's website had to say : "Cashman recorded 12 tackles, four passes defended, three quarterback hits and two sacks, spearheading another smothering game by Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores' group that keyed a 16-10 win over the Colts and preserved Minnesota's undefeated start (the only team without a loss)."
Note that Mr. Cashman is playing in the final year of his contract. Soon enough, the veteran 'backer is going to land some major money.
No. 3 — Unexpected Injury to the New LG
Oct 11, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (1) hands off to running back Aaron Jones (33) against New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Gone is LG1 Donovan Jackson. He's working through his recovery for what is very likely a season-ending ailment.
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Replacing the 2025 1st-Round talent is 2025 UDFA talent Joe Huber. So far, Mr. Huber has been playing well, but he missed practice earlier in the week . Trevor Keegan and Caleb Tiernan got some work at left guard in practice to prepare for the worst case.
Minnesota appears to be moving toward having Huber out there on Sunday. Do note, though, that there's a minor ailment that he's working through.
Also Read on Vikings Territory: 4 Positions the Vikings Could Look to Upgrade Before Trade Deadline
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