The Minnesota Vikings‘ initial 53-man roster is here, and while there is plenty of good news on players battling injury — one Pro Bowler and team leader was struck with an unfortunate designation to begin the season.
Upon the announcement of the team’s 53-man roster on Tuesday, August 26, the Vikings placed two-time Pro Bowl fullback C.J. Ham on the injured reserve list to start the season, along with rookie linebacker Tyler Batty. Players who start the season on the list are required to sit out at least the first four games of the season before being activated to the roster. Ham, dealing with an undisclosed injury, will be eligible to return as soon as Week 5.
Ham, 32, has been named team captain the past four seasons and remains an integral part of the Vikings team despite Minnesota moving toward a more pass-heavy offense under Kevin O’Connell.
A former undrafted rookie tryout in 2016, Ham, born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota, helped Aaron Jones post a career-high 1,138 rushing yards last season. Ham has missed just two regular-season games in the past eight seasons in Minnesota and is the second-longest tenured player in the organization after Harrison Smith.
The Vikings kept four running backs on their initial roster, with Ham going to the injured reserve list. Jordan Mason joins Jones as the team’s top running back tandem, followed by fourth-year back Ty Chandler and second-year back Zavier Scott.
Vikings Get Good News on Christian Darrisaw
While Ham’s injury designation will impact special teams and some offensive versatility, the Vikings avoided a difficult start to the season with one of their best players, Christian Darrisaw.
Darrisaw, recovering from a knee injury he suffered in October 2024, has been ahead of schedule for much of the offseason.
His lack of an injury designation is promising for his ability to start Week 1 after T.J. Hockenson missed half of last season while recovering from a similar injury.
Vikings’ 53-Man Roster Revealed But Remains Unsettled
While the initial 53-man roster was revealed on Tuesday, the Vikings have many moves left to make. Since trading Harrison Phillips, Sam Howell and Mekhi Blackmon for Day 3 picks, the Vikings are expected to make moves to add at cornerback and wide receiver.
Quarterback is seemingly settled with J.J. McCarthy leading Max Brosmer and Carson Wentz into the season.
View the full 53-man roster below, per Vikings.com:
Quarterbacks (3)
J.J. McCarthy, Max Brosmer and Carson Wentz
Running backs (4)
Aaron Jones, Sr.; Ty Chandler, Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott
Receivers (5)
Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor; Tai Felton, Tim Jones and Myles Price
Tight ends (3)
T.J. Hockenson; Josh Oliver and Ben Yurosek
Offensive line (10)
LT Christian Darrisaw; LG Donovan Jackson; C Ryan Kelly; RG Will Fries; RT Brian O’Neill; Blake Brandel, Joe Huber, Michael Jurgens, Walter Rouse and Justin Skule
Defensive line (6)
Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave and Jalen Redmond; Ty Ingram-Dawkins, Levi Drake Rodriguez and Elijah Williams
Outside linebackers (5)
Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel; Chaz Chambliss, Bo Richter and Dallas Turner
Inside linebackers (5)
Blake Casman and Ivan Pace, Jr.; Austin Keys, Kobe King and Eric Wilson
Cornerbacks (4)
Byron Murphy, Jr., and Isaiah Rodgers; Dwight McGlothern, Jr., and Jeff Okudah
Safeties (5)
Joshua Metellus and Harrison Smith; Theo Jackson, Tavierre Thomas and Jay Ward
Specialists (3)
Long snapper Andrew DePaola; Kicker Will Reichard; Punter Ryan Wright
