The Minnesota Vikings needed some help on both sides of the ball with the Detroit Lions next on the docket in Week 9, and they turned to a pair of familiar faces to address it. The Vikings announced on Saturday that they had added Fabian Moreau and Nick Vannett to the roster.
Both players were on the Vikings’ practice squad.
Their additions come amid some injury concerns for the Vikings, who have felt them at every position group this season.
Vikings Call-Up Fabian Moreau
GettyFabian Moreau #23 of the Minnesota Vikings attempts to break up a pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals.
Moreau is a cornerback who was with the Vikings in 2024 and re-signed after the San Francisco 49ers cut him in August. He joins the gameday roster for the first time since Week 2, when the Vikings lost to the Atlanta Falcons.
Moreau replaces former Falcons corner Jeff Okudah, who is out with a concussion.
Originally a third-round pick (No. 81 overall) in the 2017 draft by the Washington Commanders organization, Moreau has also played for the Falcons, Denver Broncos, and New York Giants.
Moreau appeared in seven games for the Vikings during the 2024 regular season. He finished the campaign with 7 total tackles and 1 pass deflection, logging 102 defensive snaps to 56 on special teams, per Pro Football Reference.
The Vikings rank eighth against the pass this season, while the Lions’ passing game is 12th.
Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers still occupy the outside spots for the Vikings, who deploy safety Theo Jackson in the slot.
Nick Vannett Could See Larger Role vs Lions
GettyNick Vannett #81 of the Seattle Seahawks runs after a catch against the Los Angeles Rams.
Vannett and Moreau are reunited on the Vikings, having spent the 2022 season on the Giants together. This will be Vannett’s fourth game with the Vikings this season. He was originally the No. 94 overall in the 2016 draft by the Seattle Seahawks.
Like Moreau, Vannett is a journeyman, boasting stints with the Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers on his resume.
Vannett has caught 108 passes for 1,012 yards and 9 touchdowns in his career.
He takes the roster spot of Josh Oliver (foot) against the Lions, who will not have First Team All-Pro Kerby Joseph next to Brian Branch at safety. Oliver’s role is as a blocker, though, and the Lions’ focus will be on TE1 T.J. Hockenson and the Vikings’ wide receivers.
That could leave Vannett open for a big play or two as an option later in quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s progressions.
All Eyes on Vikings Quartet
GettyAndrew Van Ginkel #43 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Vikings also ruled Pro Bowl fullback C.J. Ham out against the Lions, but they still have several players in limbo. Four players, all starters, were listed as questionable on the final injury report of the week.
Offensive tackles Brian O’Neill, who has missed two of the Vikings’ last three games, and Christian Darrisaw are dealing with varying knee injuries.
Safety Josh Metellus’ (foot) status looms large with Okudah already out for this game.
Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel has been sidelined since Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals with a neck issue. Van Ginkel was a Pro Bowler in 2024, finishing one half-sack behind Jonathan Greenard for the team lead.
Each one of these players’ absences could have a significant impact on the Vikings, who are trying to get on a roll amid a 3-4 start, against the Lions.
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