Vikings DT Caleb Banls on the draft bigboard in Pittsburgh in 2026
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks is selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the number 18 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Vikings rookie report for Week 9 arrives with a major shake up taking place. Carson Wentz is being given the chance to start due to Kyler Murray’s hamstring injury. Very wisely, Wentz is promising to deliver the football to Justin Jefferson.

A touch behind the scenes, perhaps, is the performance of the young lads. Last week, the Vikings opted to sit four of the drafted rookies. Worse yet, some of the young lads appear to be losing ground on the depth chart (such as somebody who had been generating a lot of hype).

Check it out below alongside some credit to Pro Football Reference.

Vikings Rookie Report | Week 9

Offense

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants
Aug 15, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne (21) carries the ball as New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock (25) defends during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Offensive Tackle Caleb Tiernan — 3rd Round, No. 97

2 Games, 0 Starts.
11 snaps on offense (7%).
12 snaps on special teams (21%).

Fullback Max Bredeson — 5th Round, No. 159

7 Games, 1 Start.
103 snaps on offense (24%).
50 snaps on special teams (28%).
1 tackle and a pile of blocks.

Running Back Demond Claiborne — 6th Round, No. 198

4 Games, 0 Starts.
18 snaps on offense (7%).
4 snaps on special teams (4%).
6 carries for 13 yards.
2 catches for 8 yards.

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(Center Gavin Gerhardt — 7th Round, No. 235 | Cut)

Defense

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions
Nov 1, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) and defensive tackle Domonique Orange (97) during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Defensive Tackle Caleb Banks — 1st Round, No. 18

7 Games, 0 Starts.
107 snaps on defense (25%).
28 snaps on special teams (15%).
12 tackles, 1 TFL.

Linebacker Jake Golday — 2nd Round, No. 51

7 Games, 0 Starts.
20 snaps on defense (5%).
134 snaps on specials teams (74%).
8 tackles, 1 forced fumble.

Defensive Tackle Domonique Orange — 3rd Round, No. 82

7 Games, 1 Start.
117 snaps on defense (27%).
27 special teams snaps (15%).
5 tackles, 1 TFL.

Safety Jakobe Thomas — 3rd Round, No. 98

0 Games, 0 Starts.

Corner Chuck Demmings — 5th Round, No. 163

3 Games, 0 Starts.
2 snaps on defense (1%).
24 snaps on special teams (27%).

Safety Jacob Thomas — UDFA

7 Games, 0 Starts.
30 snaps on defense (7%).
116 snaps on special teams (64%)
6 tackles, 1 QB hit.

Special Teams

NFL: Scouting Combine
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Brett Thorson of Georgia punts the ball during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Punter Brett Thorson — UDFA

5 Games
20 punts, 881 yards, 44.1 Y/P average.
1 touchback (5%).
10 inside the 20 (50%).

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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.