Silas Bolden signed to the Houston Texans' practice squad, reuniting with CJ Stroud and renewing a long-shared California-linked bond. Bolden, renowned for his return prowess, joins a QB-leaning Texans group with a chance to push for an active-roster spot as Houston opens the season against the Rams at SoFi.

The reunion traces to Rancho Cucamonga High and a two-way grind between Bolden and Stroud, with Bolden shining on special teams and delivering a Peach Bowl punt return TD in college. If Bolden carves a role, the Stroud-Bolden rapport could buoy both their upside this season.

The Vikings opened the roster-cut window, trimming 11 players in the first wave ahead of the 53-man deadline. Brett Rypien and outside linebacker Cam Gill had contracts terminated, and nine players were waived, including Reddy Steward, Keenan Garber, Tre Stewart, Mishael Powell, Logan Brown, Zack Bailey, Silas Bolden, Robert Lewis and Travis Bell. Minnesota also pivoted by shipping out its No. 2 quarterback Sam Howell trade fallout and adding Carson Wentz, reshaping the QB room just ahead of Week 1 implications. Bolden and Lewis were in the running for return duties but did not climb the depth chart in the return game either. Bolden contributed a 57-yard return last week, and Stewart saw some preseason carries. The Vikings sit at 79 on the roster with Tuesday’s deadline fast approaching and more cuts expected, signaling a shakeup that could alter depth-chart decisions and fantasy implications for backfield and return specialists.

In Minnesota’s first glimpse of 2025, the Vikings flashed a balanced, competitive preseason win over Houston, 20-10, with several players making a strong case for roster spots. Gabriel Murphy paced the edge with 1.5 sacks on 30 snaps and a top PFF grade, signaling he could push for an early-edge role behind Dallas Turner. Zavier Scott supplied a sturdy run-game spark, seven carries for 50 yards, including a setup that capped a 94-yard drive, entering the RB3 conversation behind the Mose Mason duo. Max Brosmer, calm and accurate in limited action, completed 5 of 8 for 47 yards and delivered a TD pass, underscoring his late-round potential and QB3 upside.

On the downside, Ty Chandler struggled for five yards on five attempts, threatening his roster security if Scott keeps producing. Brett Rypien was inefficient (1-of-4, six yards) and sacked twice, reinforcing Brosmer’s case as a legitimate QB3 consideration. Silas Bolden, debuting as UDFA, showed a glimpse with an 8-yard punt return and a 3-yard catch but dropped a crucial pass, keeping his odds for a late-season role alive but fragile. Early-injury context lingered as Rondale Moore’s exit could shift the late-depth chart, increasing opportunities for Bolden and others to seize the moment.

The Minnesota Vikings' 2025 NFL Draft class has sparked varied opinions, particularly due to their first-round selection focusing on an offensive guard rather than a quarterback or edge rusher. Notably, the team's undrafted free agent (UDFA) signings have garnered attention for their potential impact. Last year's class saw players like Bo Richter and Gabriel Murphy make contributions, while this year’s group showcases impressive stats from each player’s collegiate career, from QB Max Brosmer's 17 big-time throws to OL Joe Huber's impressive pass-blocking performance.

This year's UDFAs include intriguing talents such as Dontae Fleming, who had an average depth of target at 12.2 yards, and Silas Bolden, known for his reliability with just two drops on 157 targets. The Vikings' knack for identifying hidden gems in the UDFA market could prove pivotal as they seek to bolster their roster.

The Minnesota Vikings have bolstered their roster by signing former Texas Longhorn receiver Silas Bolden as an undrafted free agent. After finishing last season with 23 catches for 267 yards and one touchdown, Bolden looks to make an impact in Minnesota where he will primarily focus on kick returning duties. His speed and agility were showcased as he averaged 10.5 yards per punt return, including a touchdown last season. Bolden's versatility stems from his time at Oregon State, where he excelled as a receiver and return specialist, making him an intriguing addition to the Vikings' special teams.