When the Minnesota Vikings take the field against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, they will do so without starting tight end Josh Oliver. It’s great that T.J. Hockenson is back, but Sam Darnold was probably wondering who was going to help block the edge, in Oliver’s absence. There is now an answer.
Nick Muse back for the Minnesota Vikings
With Oliver out, the only other tight end on the Minnesota Vikings depth chart was Johnny Mundt. That changes, with 2022 7th round pick Nick Muse returning to the active roster. Muse took only a week of his 21-day practice window, before his activation.
The #Vikings have announced the following roster moves
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 23, 2024
– Activated TE Nick Muse from IR. Muse will enter tomorrow's game without an injury designation.
– Elevated TE Jake McQuaide to the active roster for tomorrow's game
– Downgraded OLB Gabe Murphy to out
– Waived CB Akayleb… pic.twitter.com/qD6NvCey3o
A roster spot was needed for Muse, and Minnesota handled that by waiving former starting cornerback Akayleb Evans. Muse has played in two games this season, but logged just 3% of the offensive snaps. Prior to his injury, The William & Mary alum was relied on much more heavily on special teams.
We’ll see if his role changes, with Oliver out. Muse has just a single reception to his credit, through three seasons. To his credit, it did go for 22 yards and a first down.
Aaron Jones sitting on a big game vs Bears?
The Vikings will have a chance to get their running game going on Sunday. Chicago’s defense is stingy in the secondary, but they can be beat on the ground. Aaron Jones turned in just 39 yards last weekend against the Tennessee Titans, and he looked hurt while doing so.
#Vikings RB Aaron Jones on not scoring a TD in a little over a month:
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) November 22, 2024
“I talk to my son about it, I talk to my mom, I talk about it every day… I miss it, I miss the end zone. I will be back soon.”
🎥: @Vikings YouTube pic.twitter.com/nPr0DaEWWY
The veteran back says he’s in a better place this week, and Minnesota’s offense will benefit should that be true. Oliver is a key blocker on the line, so how Muse or the other tight ends fill that void remains to be seen.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Cut Another 2022 Defensive Back
Kevin O’Connell could feature T.J. Hockenson after the tight end caught just two passes for 13 yards last weekend. It seems unlikely that either Mundt or Muse will eat into his target share like Oliver did.