News · Analysis · Community · Forever SkolFour Vikings rookies did not dress for Sunday's loss to the Detroit Lions, while four others saw limited roles, according to VikingsTerritory. The outlet reported that safety Jakobe Thomas, offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan, cornerback Charles Demmings and running back Demond Claiborne were all inactive for the game.
Of Minnesota's original nine-player draft class, eight remain on the roster after the team moved on from seventh-round center Gavin Gerhardt, VikingsTerritory reported. The four rookies who were active — defensive tackle Caleb Banks, linebacker Jake Golday, defensive tackle Domonique Orange and fullback Max Bredeson — were worked into limited roles, per the outlet's account of the game.
The loss dropped the Vikings to 6-1 on the season. VikingsTerritory noted that the defeat, in which Detroit scored just 19 points, has prompted renewed scrutiny of the team's offense.
VikingsTerritory's report argued that the rookie class has yet to make the kind of impact the team was hoping for this season, a characterization that reflects the outlet's own analysis rather than any statement from the Vikings organization. The piece also cautioned against writing off later-round picks this early, noting that rookie development often takes time.
The Vikings are scheduled to face the Buffalo Bills in a Monday Night Football matchup in Week 9, per VikingsTerritory, which said the rookies' roles in that game will be worth watching.