By Moses Joshua 
Minnesota turns to familiar faces as injuries mount before critical NFC North clash
The Minnesota Vikings are looking to steady the ship as they prepare to face the Detroit Lions in a pivotal Week 9 divisional matchup. With injuries testing the team’s depth across multiple positions, the Vikings have added two experienced players who bring both familiarity and reliability — cornerback Fabian Moreau and tight end Nick Vannett, both formerly of the New York Giants.
Familiar Faces Return to the Fold
Minnesota officially announced the promotions of Moreau and Vannett from the practice squad on Saturday, a move prompted by a string of injuries that have impacted nearly every position group this season.
Moreau, who spent part of the 2024 season with the Vikings, rejoined the team after a short stint with the San Francisco 49ers. His call-up comes as Jeff Okudah remains sidelined with a concussion. Originally drafted by Washington in 2017, the veteran corner has since logged time with the Falcons, Broncos, and Giants, earning a reputation as a steady, physical presence in coverage.
In limited action last year, Moreau appeared in seven games for Minnesota, notching seven tackles and a pass deflection. With the Vikings ranking eighth in the league against the pass and Detroit boasting a top-12 aerial attack, his return couldn’t be more timely. Moreau joins a secondary anchored by Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers on the outside, with Theo Jackson handling slot duties.
Vannett Adds Experience to Injury-Thinned Offense
Tight end Nick Vannett also brings familiarity and versatility to the Vikings’ offense. The journeyman pass-catcher, who shared a locker room with Moreau during their time with the Giants in 2022, will see his fourth appearance of the season for Minnesota.
Vannett steps in for Josh Oliver, who’s been ruled out with a foot injury. A third-round pick in 2016 by Seattle, Vannett has accumulated over 1,000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his career, making him a reliable option for young quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
With Detroit missing All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, the Vikings could look to exploit mismatches in the middle of the field. Though Vannett is primarily known for his blocking, his experience and size make him a sneaky threat to slip open for a big play when defenses focus on T.J. Hockenson and Minnesota’s dynamic receiving corps.
Injury Woes Continue to Test Depth
The Vikings’ injury list remains lengthy ahead of the Lions game. Pro Bowl fullback C.J. Ham is out, while offensive tackles Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw continue to battle knee issues. On defense, Josh Metellus (foot) and Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) are both question marks — the latter a significant absence after his Pro Bowl performance in 2024.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell and his staff know that depth and adaptability will be key against a physical Detroit team that sits atop the NFC North. Minnesota enters the matchup at 3-4, hoping that the return of familiar faces like Moreau and Vannett can spark the kind of complementary football needed to turn their season around.
The Bottom Line
As the Vikings gear up for the Lions, the message is clear: next man up. Injuries may have reshaped the lineup, but Minnesota’s decision to lean on veterans with proven chemistry could pay dividends in one of the season’s most important divisional battles.