And Now the Vikings’ Practice Squad Gets Reinforcements, Sees 5 Players Added

The Vikings’ practice squad has received new significance under the leadership of GM Nolan Teasley.

To be sure, the basic decision to lean on the talent there isn’t novel or original. What stands out is the forthright nature of the GM’s emphasis on the players who are too often forgotten. He is very outgoing in his insistence that the Vikings aren’t working with 53 players — the roster size — but a collection of 70 ball players, a number that tosses the practice squad into the mix.

So, the new adds to the Vikings’ practice squad are of some note.

The Vikings’ social media sends the word: “The #Vikings have signed the following players to the practice squad P Johnny Hekker, RB Audric Estime, RB Devin Neal, OLB Keshawn Banks, G Josh Priebe.”

The Vikings’ Practice Squad Gets 5 New Players

For a moment, focus in on just a single position: running back.

Jordan Mason is currently on the IR, putting a large emphasis on Aaron Jones to shoulder a massive workload across these past pair of games. Making matters even dicier is that rookie 6th-Round selection Demond Claiborne isn’t yet ready to contribute; he’s crazy fast but still needs time to see the game develop in front of him.

Otherwise, there’s DeeJay Dallas (a bruiser who sent out a menacing warning not long ago) and Max Bredeson. The former has been great on specials while the latter is a blocker. Another ball carrier would be a nice addition.

So, maybe Mr. Neal and Mr. Estime have a role to play in the coming weeks.

Devin Neal is a 23-year-old runner who got drafted by the Saints in the 6th of the 2025 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Neal turned 57 carries into 206 yards and 2 touchdowns. He then had 17 catches go for 104 yards.

Audric Estime went at No. 147 in the 2024 NFL Draft, which arrives in the 5th. He got his start with the Broncos who then did some work with the Saints. Overall, Estime’s NFL rushing production sees 122 carries go for 508 yards and 3 touchdowns. As a pass catcher, Estime has generated 130 yards across 17 catches.

In Week 4, the Vikings are going to lean on Jones, Dallas, Claiborne, and Bredeson. Is that going to be enough? Some online appear to be intrigued by what Devin Neal can offer.

Of the others who got signed, punter Johnny Hekker is pretty likely to get more work put onto his plate. It’ll all come down to Brett Thorson’s health (or lack thereof).

Edge rusher Keshawn Banks is a 26-year-old defender who boasts good size at 6’3″ and 251 pounds. The defender was a Packers UDFA signing from back in 2023. He has since put in work in Green Bay, New England, Arizona, and Atlanta. Add Minnesota to his tour around the NFL.

He’ll be competing alongside Kenny Dyson to try to stand out on the practice squad.

Guard Josh Priebe isn’t the world’s largest lineman but he comes in at 6’5″ and 300 pounds. He played his college ball at Michigan, the spot where J.J. McCarthy (bad trade, I say) and Max Bredeson put in work. Note that his background in the NFL comes with the Miami Dolphins, so the possibility exists that Minnesota is looking for some insider insight on how Miami does business.

Next up on the schedule is a Week 4 Dolphins game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Pulling off the win will mean climbing up to 4-0. We’ll see if the Vikings’ practice squad ends up playing a role in trying to snag a win.