The Minnesota Vikings face critical decisions in their safety room as they eye the 2026 NFL Draft. Veteran Harrison Smith, a likely Ring of Honor inductee, is returning for another season, but at 36, retirement looms. Josh Metellus, who performed inconsistently, is in the last year of his contract, making the safety position a potential early draft target for Minnesota. Despite promising flashes from 2023 draft pick Jay Ward, who posted a decent PFF grade, the Vikings may look to leverage a deep safety class in the 2026 draft to secure long-term solutions.

With Metellus's lackluster performance and Smith's age, the Vikings have an opportunity to rejuvenate their defense. The franchise's history of impactful safeties adds pressure to find worthy successors. This draft class could provide depth and talent to solidify a crucial position that has seen considerable turnover, highlighting the necessity for strategic planning as Minnesota looks ahead.

The Minnesota Vikings will be without cornerback Stephon Gilmore for their upcoming game against the Atlanta Falcons due to a hamstring strain. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that Gilmore has not practiced this week and is not expected to play.

In addition to Gilmore, kicker Will Reichard and long snapper Andrew DePaola are questionable for the game, while four other players are also dealing with injuries. The team is preparing for potential roster moves as they evaluate their options.

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson shared insights about his time with former quarterback Kirk Cousins, highlighting the humor and jokes he learned from him. The Vikings also signed offensive tackle Coy Cronk to their practice squad and are promoting merchandise to support edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel's flood relief efforts.

The Minnesota Vikings have updated their injury report ahead of their Week 14 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, adding right guard Dalton Risner due to a back issue.

Risner, who has struggled with back problems throughout the 2024 season, was limited in Thursday's practice after fully participating the day before. He has played every offensive snap in recent games but may be replaced by Ed Ingram if he cannot play.

Other players, including Jay Ward and Patrick Jones II, were also limited, while veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore did not participate at all, raising concerns about his availability.

Parker Romo reflects on his time with the Minnesota Vikings as he prepares for his likely release following the return of kicker Will Reichard from injury. Romo has performed well, making 18 of 20 kicks in four games, and has been collecting keepsakes from teammates.

Coach Kevin O’Connell expresses gratitude for Romo's contributions while monitoring Reichard's recovery. Meanwhile, tight end Josh Oliver returns to practice, and the team is managing injuries to other players, including cornerback Stephon Gilmore and linebacker Blake Cashman.

Hall of Famer Randy Moss is also in the spotlight as he seeks support for an undisclosed health issue, with O’Connell and the organization sending their best wishes.