Vikings Shake Up Roster with Unexpected Moves — What’s Next for the Season?

So, the Minnesota Vikings are back at it again, shaking up their roster like it’s a finely tuned Norse chariot—only this time, it’s less about conquest and more about courtroom drama on the injury front. With J.J. McCarthy sidelined by an ankle sprain and Aaron Jones nursing a hamstring that decided to throw in the towel early this season, the Vikings have scrambled to patch the holes before Week 3 kicks off. But here’s the kicker—does stacking the deck with veterans like Desmond Ridder and familiar faces like Cam Akers signal a smart safety net? Or is it a subtle nod to the uphill battle that lies ahead in Minneapolis? Either way, as these roster moves unfold, one can’t help but wonder if this shuffle is the start of a masterstroke or just another twist in a season full of what-ifs.

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Vikings are making more moves.

With quarterback J.J. McCarthy set to miss Week 3 with an ankle injury and Carson Wentz taking the reins of the offense, they needed an insurance policy.

That was also the case with running back Aaron Jones, who suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

In response, Minnesota signed quarterback Desmond Ridder to the active roster and running back Cam Akers to the practice squad.

In a corresponding move, it placed Jones on injured reserve, meaning he’s going to miss at least the next four weeks.

The #Vikings have signed QB Desmond Ridder to the active roster and RB Cam Akers to the practice squad.

RB Aaron Jones Sr. has been placed on IR.

: https://t.co/uGltlJP1Vb pic.twitter.com/Tl7IfTzfbA

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 17, 2025

Akers has been with the Vikings and is familiar with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

He’s been their insurance policy in the past, so bringing him back makes sense, given that he should get up to speed right away.

While he hasn’t had the career some expected, Akers has proven to be a serviceable player when given a chance.

For the time being, however, the Vikings will use Jordan Mason as their primary ball carrier.

He was more efficient than Jones in the first two games, and he’s shown that he can handle a big workload by filling in for Christian McCaffrey for the San Francisco 49ers last season.

As for Ridder, he’s a long shot to take the field, but a team needs depth at quarterback.

With Wentz as the starter, undrafted rookie Max Brosmer is expected to be his backup.

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