As the NFL season heats up in late September 2026, the Minnesota Vikings are making waves with a series of roster moves aimed at shoring up their depth. According to the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the Vikings announced on Tuesday a batch of transactions that included the signing of former New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal, a move first reported by Jordan Schultz. The 23-year-old Neal, a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, brings youth and versatility to a backfield that has been riddled with injuries.
Neal Joins a Running Back Room in Flux
With Jordan Mason on injured reserve, Aaron Jones Sr. battling nagging injuries and averaging just 3.9 yards per carry, and rookie Demond Claiborne still finding his footing, the Vikings have been actively seeking reinforcements. Neal, who rushed for 206 yards and two touchdowns on 57 carries in 10 games as a rookie, along with 17 receptions for 104 yards, offers a dual-threat option. His college career at Kansas was nothing short of spectacular, as he rushed for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons (2022-2024) and added at least 20 receptions each year. As highlighted on Vulius, Neal's ability to contribute in the passing game could be a valuable asset for quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was traded earlier this season, leaving Max Brosmer as the primary backup.
"Neal had some steam as a riser in the pre-draft process, and he'll now battle DeeJay Dallas for reps in a surprisingly thin Vikings backfield," noted a source close to the situation.
Other Roster Moves: Brosmer Promoted, Hekker Released
In addition to Neal, the Vikings signed quarterback Max Brosmer to the active roster, essentially filling the void left by McCarthy's departure. The team also released running backs Jaret Patterson and Jerome Ford from the practice squad, along with defensive lineman Jonathan Harris. Veteran punter Johnny Hekker was released, signaling that Brett Thorson is on track to return Sunday against the Miami Dolphins after missing Week 2 with a hamstring issue. It's worth monitoring whether Hekker returns to the practice squad as insurance, especially given the Vikings' recent practice squad shuffling.
Injury Updates: Oliver Out, Van Noy In
Tight end Josh Oliver is heading to injured reserve after surgery to repair a torn biceps, an injury that could be season-ending. The Vikings are now thin behind T.J. Hockenson and Gavin Bartholomew, though Cam Grandy could be elevated from the practice squad for depth. On a positive note, edge defender Kyle Van Noy was officially signed to the active roster after exhausting his three practice squad elevations. The 13th-year veteran out of BYU has been a pleasant surprise for Minnesota's defense, providing leadership and production off the edge.
As the Vikings prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the Dolphins, these moves reflect a team aggressively addressing its weaknesses. With Neal in the fold, Minnesota hopes to inject new life into a running game that has struggled to find consistency. For die-hard fans, the message is clear: the Vikings are not standing pat. Stay tuned to Vulius for the latest NFL roster news and analysis.
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