Minnesota Vikings dealt another brutal blow after Sunday’s win, and it could change the entire offensive dynamic
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-16 on Sunday afternoon, but the victory came at a steep cost. Tight end Josh Oliver is believed to have suffered a torn bicep during the game, a potentially devastating blow to a Vikings offense trying to establish its ground attack. Oliver is the Vikings’ second tight […]
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-16 on Sunday afternoon, but the victory came at a steep cost. Tight end Josh Oliver is believed to have suffered a torn bicep during the game, a potentially devastating blow to a Vikings offense trying to establish its ground attack.
Oliver is the Vikings’ second tight end and widely regarded as one of the best blockers in the NFL at the position. His presence on the field changes the math in protection calls and lets Minnesota operate in multiple ways. Without him, the way the Vikings function offensively shifts significantly, and it will hinder the advancement of a running game the coaching staff has prioritized.
Josh Oliver’s injury will force the Vikings to adjust
Oliver was a fifth-round pick out of San Jose State in the 2019 NFL Draft, where he was viewed primarily as a pass catcher. He developed into a fantastic blocker after the Jacksonville Jaguars traded him to the Baltimore Ravens ahead of the 2021 season. He has been with the Vikings since 2023 and has been a phenomenal presence in the blocking game throughout his time in Minnesota.
His absence would be felt in a strong way. Having Oliver on the field opens up the playbook and gives the Vikings the ability to do things schematically that they simply cannot replicate without him.
The good news for Minnesota is that they drafted fifth-round pick fullback Max Bredeson, who will likely see increased playing time if the injury to Oliver proves serious. Bredeson’s skill set as a lead blocker could help fill some of the void, though replacing Oliver’s versatility at tight end is a tall order.
Sunday’s game also saw wide receiver Justin Jefferson suffer a sprained ankle that kept him out for the majority of the contest. Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated throwing thumb at the end of the game as well. The injuries piled up in a game the Vikings managed to win despite the adversity.
Oliver’s injury, if confirmed as a torn bicep, would be among the most impactful losses Minnesota could sustain on the offensive side of the ball this season, and it would be a brutal development for a team working hard to establish its ground game.
