The Minnesota Vikings signed eight players to reserve/future contracts, including receivers, a safety, a linebacker, a guard, a tackle, and a tight end, all from their practice squad at the end of the 2025 season.
The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers 16-3 in the season finale, with key performances from Justin Jefferson and C.J. Ham, while the Packers rested starters and dealt with injuries, setting up playoff matchups and offseason plans for both teams.
The article details the inactive players for both the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings ahead of their 2025 season finale, highlighting key absences and roster updates for the game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Green Bay Packers are undecided about their starting lineup for the Week 18 game against the Minnesota Vikings, with some starters resting and others playing, influenced by injuries and team strategy. Key players like QB Jordan Love are still in concussion protocol, and the team may give opportunities to younger players to showcase their skills ahead of the playoffs. The decision will be driven by health considerations and game readiness.
Justin Jefferson broke Randy Moss's NFL record for most receiving yards in the first six seasons, achieving this milestone during a game against Detroit, and continues to aim for a sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season.
The Detroit Lions, once considered Super Bowl favorites after a strong season, were eliminated from playoff contention after a loss to the Minnesota Vikings, ending their hopes of a postseason run and marking a disappointing end to their successful 2023 season.
Justin Jefferson broke Jarvis Landry's record for most catches in the first six NFL seasons, continuing to set records for the Minnesota Vikings and aiming to surpass Randy Moss's receiving yards record in his first six seasons.
The Minnesota Vikings' team plane experienced mechanical issues shortly after takeoff from Minneapolis, forcing a return to MSP Airport. They planned to travel again later that night to face the New York Giants, with both teams already eliminated from playoff contention.
The Ravens' defense has regained confidence and momentum after a 27-19 win over Minnesota, marked by key turnovers, strong coverage, and improved play, signaling a potential resurgence despite ongoing work to perfect celebrations and consistency.
Lamar Jackson led the Ravens to a 27-19 victory over the Vikings in his 100th NFL start, with Baltimore's defense playing a key role in their third straight win, while Minnesota struggled with turnovers and penalties, highlighting Jackson's leadership and the Ravens' improved defense.
Carson Wentz, despite playing through significant shoulder pain and a torn labrum, expressed no regret about staying in the game for the Vikings, emphasizing his desire to help the team and his understanding of his injury. He is set to undergo season-ending surgery, and his decision to continue playing was supported by the coaching staff, despite criticism.
The Detroit Lions, with a 5-2 record, are preparing to face the struggling 3-4 Minnesota Vikings, who are dealing with injuries and inconsistent performance this season. The Vikings' offense relies heavily on star receiver Justin Jefferson, but their offensive line issues and quarterback instability have hampered their success. The Lions' secondary, recently strengthened, will play a key role in containing the Vikings' passing game, especially Jefferson and Addison, in this divisional matchup.
The NFC North standings are led by Green Bay and Detroit, both with strong records, while Chicago and Minnesota face challenges with inconsistent performances and injuries as they head into Week 9 matchups.
Kevin O'Connell explained that Carson Wentz was allowed to play through a torn shoulder injury because of his strong desire to help the team and his physical and mental toughness, despite the injury ultimately requiring surgery and ending his season.
Kirk Cousins is expected to start for the Atlanta Falcons against the Dolphins due to Michael Penix's knee injury, marking his first start since December 2024. The Falcons acquired Cousins after he left the Vikings, where he was replaced by J.J. McCarthy, who is expected to return for Week 9. The move highlights Cousins' value as a high-quality backup and potential trade rumors with the Vikings persist.