Reichard’s 62-yard blast set a Vikings record and fueled talk of a 70-yarder someday, even as he admits 59 yards is the max he trains for in season. Donovan Jackson lit up the left side with two pivotal blocks that opened Jordan Mason’s TD, while Levi Drake Rodriguez and a stouter run defense stymied Cincinnati. Isaiah Rodgers’ 87-yard pick-six highlighted a game with big plays, Okudah drew a surprised flag, and Minnesota rolled toward Pittsburgh.

Jackson’s grit and the interior line’s growth drove short-yardage success, Greenard’s grit sparked tackle-for-loss moments, and Rodgers’ friends added a defensive punch. A rapid, physical win cements Minnesota’s identity and raises questions about next-week’s grind against Pittsburgh’s ground game and a league watching Reichard chase more distance.

Two six-round picks swapped for Harrison Phillips catapulted a surprising midweek shift as Minnesota sent Phillips and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Jets in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick. The move clears $7.4 million in cap space for 2025, enabling Minnesota to pivot its defensive front toward veteran anchors. Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave step in as the immediate interior stalwarts, while Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Elijah Williams provide youth and depth behind them. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s regime and Brian Flores’ scheme appear to prioritize a mix of proven talent and developmental upside, signaling a clear plan for a stronger run defense and interior pressure.

From a fantasy lens, the Vikings’ interior upgrade with Allen and Hargrave could lift sack and pressure rates, elevating fantasy DLs and boosting Flores-driven coverages. The Jets gain cap flexibility and add Phillips’ interior disruption, potentially tightening their run defense and altering opponents’ rushing plans. Depth rotations will matter for IDP managers as younger players step in, while both teams’ moves hint at a broader, more aggressive frontline approach entering 2025.

The Minnesota Vikings traded Harrison Phillips to the New York Jets on a package that includes a 2026 sixth-round pick, a 2027 sixth-round pick, and a 2027 seventh-round pick. Minnesota will absorb half of Phillips’s $7.4 million 2025 salary, creating $3.7 million in 2025 cap space and $7.5 million in room for 2026. The move unlocks cap flexibility as the club leans into a crowded interior by pairing two former Pro Bowl tackles with Phillips’ replacement-level depth.

With roster cuts looming, Minnesota’s defensive line depth—and how it will absorb the loss—remains a focal point. Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave joined Phillips in the offseason to fortify the middle, while Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins are among the players vying for spots behind a retooled front. The Jets gain a veteran anchor to help stabilize a rotation that already features emerging run-stoppers.

Justin Jefferson returned to Vikings practice for the first time since a July hamstring tweak, signaling a clear path toward full-speed Week 1 against Chicago. He emphasized leadership growth during rehab, spoke about the system clicks with J.J. McCarthy, and highlighted teammates like Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson as progressions unfold. The session showed a cautious ramp with non-11-on-11 work, underscoring Minnesota’s plan to ease him in over three weeks before the opener while juggling several other injury notes across the roster.

Protein-sharp questions loom for fantasy: how fast Jefferson will reestablish his elite target share, how Addison’s role shifts with Jefferson back, and how the Vikings’ early-season ramp affects upside for multiple pass-cenders. Minnesota’s injury picture remains fluid, but Jefferson’s return is the headline upgrade with potential ripple effects for Addison, Hockenson, Nailor and the overall offense as Chicago awaits.

The Minnesota Vikings have honored the memory of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson throughout their 2024 season, following his tragic death in a car accident in July. Jackson, who left a profound impact on his teammates and coaches, is kept alive in spirit as the Vikings prepare for a playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. The team has set up a memorial locker for Jackson, complete with his No. 31 jersey and an open Bible reflecting his faith, symbolizing the hope and perseverance he inspired.

Teammates have paid tribute in various ways, including helmet decals inscribed with 'K.J.' and floral tributes at his locker. Coach Kevin O’Connell and the organization have supported Jackson's family, ensuring they remain part of the Vikings community. Jackson’s journey from junior college to the fourth round of the NFL draft is a testament to his resilience, as many players, including first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy, continue to draw inspiration from his legacy.