The Minnesota Vikings finalized their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, but the announcement came with a gut punch for fans. Two-time Pro Bowl fullback and team captain C.J. Ham was placed on the injured reserve list, sidelining him for at least the first four games of the 2025 NFL season. Rookie linebacker Tyler Batty joined Ham on the injured reserve, as both players face a mandatory absence until at least Week 5 due to undisclosed injuries.
Vikings place fullback C.J. Ham on IR, among other roster moves
C.J. Ham’s Absence Leaves a Void
At 32, C.J. Ham remains a cornerstone of the Vikings’ roster, both on and off the field. A Duluth, Minnesota native, Ham has been a team captain for the past four seasons and is the second-longest tenured player on the team, trailing only safety Harrison Smith. Since earning a spot as an undrafted free agent in 2016, Ham has been a model of durability, missing just two regular-season games in eight years. His contributions as a fullback were instrumental in running back Aaron Jones achieving a career-high 1,138 rushing yards last season.
Despite the Vikings’ shift toward a pass-heavy offense under head coach Kevin O’Connell, Ham’s versatility as a blocker, receiver, and special teams contributor has kept him integral to the team’s success. His absence will be felt, particularly on special teams and in short-yardage situations, where his physicality and leadership shine.
The Vikings have retained four running backs on their active roster to compensate: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Ty Chandler, and Zavier Scott. While Jones and Mason form a formidable tandem, Ham’s unique skill set as a fullback leaves a gap that will be challenging to fill.
Silver Lining: Christian Darrisaw’s Recovery on Track
Amid the disappointment of Ham’s injury, the Vikings received encouraging news about star left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Recovering from a knee injury sustained in October 2024, Darrisaw has made significant progress during the offseason. His lack of an injury designation on the initial roster signals his readiness to start in Week 1, a critical boost for an offensive line tasked with protecting quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Darrisaw’s recovery mirrors a faster-than-expected timeline, especially when compared to teammate T.J. Hockenson, who missed half of last season with a similar injury.
Roster Moves and Unsettled Positions
While the Vikings’ initial 53-man roster is set, it remains a work in progress. Recent trades of defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, quarterback Sam Howell, and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon for Day 3 draft picks have left holes at cornerback and wide receiver. The team is expected to explore the waiver wire and free agency to bolster these positions.
At quarterback, J.J. McCarthy will lead the charge, supported by backups Max Brosmer and Carson Wentz. The position appears stable, but the defense and receiving corps may see additions before the season kicks off.
C.J. Ham’s placement on injured reserve is a tough blow for the Vikings, who rely on his leadership and on-field contributions. However, with Christian Darrisaw poised to anchor the offensive line and a talented running back group ready to step up, Minnesota has the pieces to weather the storm. As the team fine-tunes its roster ahead of Week 1, fans will be eagerly awaiting Ham’s return in Week 5, hoping their Pro Bowl captain can pick up where he left off.
View the full 53-man roster below, per Vikings.com:
Quarterbacks (3)
J.J. McCarthy, Max Brosmer and Carson Wentz
Running backs (4)
Aaron Jones, Sr.; Ty Chandler, Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott
Receivers (5)
Justin Jefferson and Jalen Nailor; Tai Felton, Tim Jones and Myles Price
Tight ends (3)
T.J. Hockenson; Josh Oliver and Ben Yurosek
Offensive line (10)
LT Christian Darrisaw; LG Donovan Jackson; C Ryan Kelly; RG Will Fries; RT Brian O’Neill; Blake Brandel, Joe Huber, Michael Jurgens, Walter Rouse and Justin Skule
Defensive line (6)
Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave and Jalen Redmond; Ty Ingram-Dawkins, Levi Drake Rodriguez and Elijah Williams
Outside linebackers (5)
Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel; Chaz Chambliss, Bo Richter and Dallas Turner
Inside linebackers (5)
Blake Casman and Ivan Pace, Jr.; Austin Keys, Kobe King and Eric Wilson
Cornerbacks (4)
Byron Murphy, Jr., and Isaiah Rodgers; Dwight McGlothern, Jr., and Jeff Okudah
Safeties (5)
Joshua Metellus and Harrison Smith; Theo Jackson, Tavierre Thomas and Jay Ward
Specialists (3)
Long snapper Andrew DePaola; Kicker Will Reichard; Punter Ryan Wright