The Vikings made a series of roster moves Tuesday, adding linebacker Kyle Van Noy and quarterback Max Brosmer to the active roster, placing tight end Josh Oliver on injured reserve and reshaping the practice squad.
One reported addition was absent from the team’s announcement: running back Devin Neal.
Minnesota’s official transaction release did not mention Neal, but the Vikings are signing the former Saints running back, according to Jordan Schultz’s report. Neal, 23, was a sixth-round pick in 2025 after a productive career at Kansas. He’ll join the practice squad that underwent various changes on Tuesday.
Neal gives Minnesota another option in a backfield that has leaned heavily on Aaron Jones. Jones has handled 45 touches over the past two games, while Jordan Mason remains on injured reserve and is not eligible to return until Week 7. The Vikings released practice-squad backs Jerome Ford and Jaret Patterson.
Neal appeared in 10 games for New Orleans last season, carrying 57 times for 206 yards and two touchdowns while catching 17 passes for 104 yards. The Saints placed him on injured reserve in August with a hamstring injury and later released him with an injury settlement. He had more than 5,000 yards from scrimmage and 53 touchdowns at Kansas.
Van Noy and Brosmer move onto the 53-man roster
Van Noy’s signing converts his three-week run of standard elevations into a spot on the active roster. He has seven tackles, four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks through three games, giving Brian Flores another experienced option in a defense that has made heavy use of its front seven. The Vikings ran out of game-day elevations, as each player has only three per season.
Flores said Van Noy played his best game of the season against Tampa Bay and expects him to see more opportunities. The veteran is still learning some of Minnesota’s terminology, Flores added, but his impact against both the run and pass has grown as he has become more comfortable.
Brosmer’s promotion fills the roster spot opened by J.J. McCarthy’s departure. He will serve as the emergency No. 3 quarterback behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz, available to enter if both are unable to play.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell praised Brosmer’s work habits and the way he has learned from the two veterans. O’Connell said the former Gopher contributes in quarterback meetings and has gained valuable experience, adding that he expects Brosmer to be ready if called upon.
Minnesota also brought receiver Jeshaun Jones back to the 53-man roster after he completed his three-game suspension.
Oliver’s absence creates a larger hole
Oliver was placed on injured reserve after tearing his biceps while blocking on Will Reichard’s field goal late in Sunday’s win. The loss affects more than the tight-end rotation: Oliver is a key run blocker and special-teams contributor.
“It’s not just going to be T.J. [Hockenson],” O’Connell said. “It’ll be that tight end group as a whole. We’re going to need to step up and fill that void.”
Wes Phillips said he is eager to see what Gavin Bartholomew can do with a larger opportunity. The sophomore has seen limited action so far, but Phillips praised his physicality, energy and athletic traits, saying he is excited to see him play “with some significant snaps.”
Oliver’s role also extended to special teams. Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels said Oliver was one of the team’s best blockers and contributed on field-goal protection and kickoff returns. Daniels expects the group to make up for that loss as a committee, while noting that Bartholomew’s versatility could allow Minnesota to use him more.
Hekker’s brief return ends
The Vikings terminated punter Johnny Hekker’s contract after bringing him back to replace injured rookie Brett Thorson. Hekker handled eight punts against Tampa Bay, averaging 46.5 yards with a 41.5-yard net, and held for two extra points and three field goals.
Daniels called Hekker a valuable veteran presence who helped teammates during the game with communication and advice. The team’s announcement did not include a corresponding punter transaction. Rookie Thorson is likely ready to return to action after a one-week absence.
Minnesota also signed outside linebacker Kenny Dyson Jr. to its practice squad and released defensive lineman Jonathan Harris. Ford and Patterson were released from the practice squad as well.
The moves leave the Vikings with a clearer emergency-quarterback arrangement, a newly expanded role for Van Noy and a reshaped backfield. Neal’s reported signing may address the most immediate question — how Minnesota will keep Jones’ workload manageable — but his roster designation and role remain to be confirmed by the team.
McCarthy was shipped to the Giants, Hekker was released and Oliver was placed on IR. The Vikings filled the spots with Van Noy and Brosmer from the practice squad and wideout Jones from suspension.
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