The Minnesota Vikings have given themselves some flexibility in case of an emergency for their Week 14 showdown against the Washington Commanders, adding quarterback John Wolford to their 53-man roster.
That was not their only move of the day.
However, it could prove to be the most consequential, given how this season has gone for the Vikings at the game’s most important decision.
Vikings Sign John Wolford to 53-Man Roster
GettyJohn Wolford #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up befor a game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Vikings announced with a post on X on December 6 that they “signed QB John Wolford to the active roster,” marking a promotion for the ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars QB. The move understandably drew attention.
Carson Wentz remains on injured reserve and out for the year.
However, 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy is back in Week 14 for the Vikings, who also have rookie undrafted free agent Max Brosmer.
Brosmer filled in for McCarthy in Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks. The Vikings have not protected their QBs well (their QBs have not protected themselves, either), though. They have allowed the third-most sacks this season entering Sunday.
That requires being proactive.
The Vikings are looking to snap a four-game losing streak. That would be an unlikely scenario if Wolford is forced into action.
“Signing John Wolford to the active roster will allow the Vikings to have three QBs in uniform but be able to designate one as their emergency QB, and not have him count against their gameday limit,” ESPN’s Kevin Seifert posted on X on December 6.
Wolford also knows the roots of the Vikings’ offense.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell coached Wolford with the Los Angeles Rams during that organization’s Super Bowl run in 2021.
Vikings Call Up 2 Practice Squad Players
GettyDwight McGlothern #6 of the Minnesota Vikings during warm-ups before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
In addition to promoting Wolford, the Vikings also announced in their release that “CB Dwight McGlothern Jr. and DL Taki Taimani have been elevated to the active roster for tomorrow’s game.”
McGlothern was surprisingly waived in November.
He re-signed to the practice squad shortly after. The Vikings even elevated him to their game-day roster along with Wolford in Week 13.
McGlothern has played in eight games this season. He has not played in a game since Week 11. This is his third and final practice squad elevation. The Vikings must sign McGlothern to the 53-man roster if they want to use him again or find another option after this game.
Taimani, a former undrafted free agent like McGlothern, has not played this season.
He did log seven games for the Vikings in 2024, though, and provides depth against a Commanders run game that started this season strong.
Vikings Rule Out RB vs Commanders
GettyTy Chandler #32 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball against the San Francisco 49ers.
On a day headlined by roster additions like Wolford, McGlothern, and Taimani, as well as subtractions, the Vikings also announced that they “downgraded to out” running back Ty Chandler for the Commanders game.
Chandler, the No. 169 overall pick of the 2022 draft by the Vikings, is dealing with a knee injury.
Chandler has only played in one game this season. Zavier Scott, an UDFA in 2020, has also surpassed Chandler in the pecking order.
O’Connell and the Vikings retooled their running back room over the past two offseasons, signing Aaron Jones in free agency from the Green Bay Packers in 2024 and then acquiring Jordan Mason in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers this past spring.
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