Head coach Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for their final game of the 2025 campaign, a home date against the Green Bay Packers, and they have adjusted their roster accordingly, specifically regarding Taki Taimani.
There were also several other decisions made that are expected to have a significant impact on Sunday’s contest.
The Vikings will not be going to the playoffs, but they can still finish on a high note.
Vikings Add Taki Taimani Before Packers Game
Kaidon Salter #7 of the Liberty Flames throws a pass ahead of Taki Taimani #55 of the Oregon Ducks.
The Vikings announced in a post on X on January 2 that they “signed DL Taki Taimani to the 53-man roster.”
Taimani, 26, is in his second season with the Vikings.
An undrafted free agent out of Oregon in 2024, Taimani played in seven games as a rookie, logging 3 total tackles. He has been on the Vikings’ practice squad this season, making one appearance.
Taimani played 21 snaps for the Vikings in Week 14 against the Washington Commanders, getting 16 reps on defense and another five on special teams.
However, his lack of playing time has drawn attention.
“Young Viking Taki Taimani hasn’t had much opportunity in 2025. In fact, there hadn’t been any chance for him to play until Week 14,” Purple PTSD’s Kyle Joudry wrote in December. “As the Vikings move forward, Taki Taimani could end up being part of the rotation as a young defensive lineman who gets tasked with clogging running lanes. Refusing to cede ground, even against double teams, will lead to Taimani being employed for a long time.”
Taimani’s promotion to the Vikings’ 53-man roster is a step in the right direction, potentially providing him one final opportunity to make a lasting impression before the offseason. The Vikings figure to face several difficult roster decisions.
Vikings Rule Out Key Duo Before Final Game
GettyAaron Jones Sr. #33 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Vikings’ addition of Taimani to the 53-man roster was only part of their announcements on the day. They also ruled out four players, including two starters and Pro Bowlers in running back Aaron Jones and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Jones played against the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day in Week 17, while Hockenson has been sidelined since Week 16 against the New York Giants.
Backup tight end Gavin Bartholomew and return man Myles Price were also ruled out.
The Vikings have left the door open for cornerback Dwight McGlothern, deeming him questionable. He is the only other player listed on their injury report. But Hockenson and Jones’ absences loom large for the Vikings.
Both players stand as potential cut candidates this coming offseason, with the Vikings facing salary cap concerns.
They may have played their final games as members of the Vikings’ roster.
Packers Rule Out 4 Players for Vikings Game
GettyJordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers on the field before a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Vikings will face off against a Packers team resting many of the top players on its roster ahead of the postseason. That includes quarterback Jordan Love. Love shed his injury designation due to a concussion and a shoulder injury, but will not play.
Moreover, the Vikings will not face quarterback Malik Willis in Love’s place, either.
Instead, the Packers will turn to Clayton Tune in their final game of the regular season. Their top priority is keeping their team as healthy as possible.
None of the four players they ruled out are starters. Wide receiver Dontayyvion Wicks, who has started seven games, is doubtful due to a concussion, though. Willis and right tackle Zach Tom are the only other players on the Packers’ roster with injury designations for the Vikings game.
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