The Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 season has already been rocked by injuries, and the latest blow is a tough one for fans to swallow. Veteran fullback C.J. Ham, a cornerstone of the team’s leadership and special teams prowess, has been placed on short-term Injured Reserve (IR), sidelining him for at least the first four games of the season. This ruling, announced during the team’s roster reductions, also affects undrafted rookie pass-rusher Tyler Batty, but it’s Ham’s absence that stings most for a squad already navigating a turbulent offseason.
A Devastating Setback for a Vikings Stalwart
C.J. Ham, the second-longest tenured Viking behind only safety Harrison Smith, has been a model of durability since joining the team in 2016. Initially a running back, Ham transitioned to fullback and made his NFL debut in 2017. Since then, he’s appeared in 130 games, missing action only once in 2020. His versatility as a blocker, receiver, and special teams contributor has made him indispensable. With 82 receptions for 670 yards and two touchdowns, plus 114 yards and four scores on 39 rushes, Ham’s impact extends far beyond the stat sheet.
However, a recent injury has forced the 32-year-old veteran onto the IR-Designated to Return list, as confirmed by Lindsey Young of Vikings.com: “The Vikings on Tuesday placed fullback C.J. Ham and outside linebacker Tyler Batty on Injured Reserve-Designated to Return. The moves occurred during roster reductions and mean both players must miss at least the first four games of the season.” For a team gearing up for a challenging early-season schedule, losing Ham’s experience and physicality is a gut punch.
Ham’s role has evolved significantly in recent years. Under former head coach Mike Zimmer, he was a focal point of the offense, averaging 378 snaps and over 20 touches per season between 2019 and 2021. However, under the current regime, his offensive usage has dwindled, dropping to an average of under 10 touches and 215 snaps per season over the last three years. Despite this, Ham’s value on special teams remains unmatched, with 2,117 snaps and 45 tackles to his name—numbers that rival his offensive contributions.
As a four-time team captain, Ham’s leadership has been a guiding force for the Vikings. His absence from the captaincy list this year, possibly due to his injury, only adds to the uncertainty surrounding his future. With 2025 being the final year of his contract, speculation is mounting about whether this could be his last season in Minnesota—or in the NFL altogether.
The Vikings’ decision to place Ham on IR leaves a glaring hole at fullback, as the team currently has no direct replacement on the roster. One potential solution is to utilize tight ends Ben Yurosek or Josh Oliver in the fullback role, though neither has Ham’s experience in that position. Alternatively, the team may opt to shelve plays requiring a fullback for the first four weeks, a risky move given the importance of a balanced offensive scheme.
Ham’s absence will be felt most acutely in Week 5, when the Vikings face the Cleveland Browns in London. With star pass-rusher Myles Garrett looming, Ham’s blocking prowess could have been a critical asset in protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for the run game. His eligibility to return in Week 5 offers a glimmer of hope, but the Vikings will need to survive a grueling stretch without one of their most reliable veterans.
Ham’s injury is just the latest in a string of setbacks for the Vikings this summer. Wide receiver Rondale Moore is out for the season, and while star Justin Jefferson has returned from a hamstring injury, the team is still grappling with questions about Harrison Smith’s status. Unlike Ham, Smith has avoided the IR, but the uncertainty surrounding key players has fans on edge as the season kicks off.
For now, the Vikings must rally without their fan-favorite fullback. Ham’s durability, leadership, and special teams dominance have made him a beloved figure in Minnesota, and his absence for these four must-win games is a bitter pill to swallow. As the team navigates this early-season challenge, all eyes will be on Week 5, when Ham’s return could provide the spark needed to turn the tide.