The wheels are in motion for outside linebacker Tyler Battyâs return to the Minnesota Vikings, as the team announced Wednesday it has opened his 21-day practice window.
The undrafted rookie from BYU will be able to practice for the next three weeks and can rejoin the active roster at any point. Once the window expires, the Vikings must decide whether to activate Batty off injured reserve or rule him out for the remainder of the season.
Batty started the preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans but left early with a knee injury.
The Vikings (2-2) face the Cleveland Browns Sunday (9:30 a.m. ET) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Tyler Batty Was Among Top UDFAs
Batty started 44 games over five seasons (2020-24) at BYU, recording 224 tackles, including 33.5 for loss, 16.5 sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He was First Team All-Big 12 in 2024 but went undrafted, despite NFL.comâs Lance Zierlein projecting him as a sixth- or seventh-round pick.
âHe has strong hands to discard the punch but wonât beat most pro tackles with speed or power,â Zierlein wrote. âHeâs an older rookie and an effort player, but itâs not clear if heâll have the physical gifts or skill level to become a âmake itâ prospect.â
NFL.com listed Batty as the top undrafted edge rusher in this yearâs class.
Vikings’ Defense Hit Hard by Injuries
The 6-foot-6, 271-pound Batty was placed on IR in late August and has yet to appear in an NFL game.
Batty was listed as a full participant in Wednesdayâs practice, signifying his return is imminent.
The Vikingsâ linebacking corps has been hit hard by injuries. Blake Cashman remains on IR after injuring his hamstring in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears, and All-Pro Andew Van Ginkel has been limited to two games because of a neck injury. Van Ginkel, who had a career-high 11.5 sacks and two interceptions last season, did not practice Wednesday and is expected to miss Week 5, as well.
âWeâre evaluating every avenue and all options to get him feeling 100%,â head coach Kevin OâConnell said Tuesday, via The Athletic, of Van Ginkel.
Those injuries raise the possibility of Batty making his NFL debut against the Browns, assuming heâs healthy.
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