The Minnesota Vikings walked away from their Week 1 victory at Soldier Field with a win, but the triumph came at a cost. Linebacker Blake Cashman suffered a hamstring injury while chasing down Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, landing him on injured reserve (IR) and sidelining him for at least four games until after the Week 6 bye. With additional injuries piling up—Andrew Van Ginkel and Jeff Okudah in concussion protocol, Ryan Kelly and Josh Oliver missing practice, and running back Ty Chandler also on IR—the Vikings’ depth was stretched thin. The linebacker position, in particular, needed reinforcement, as backup Eric Wilson is set to start alongside Ivan Pace Jr., leaving only rookies Kobe King and Austin Keys as reserves.
Enter Sione Takitaki, a veteran linebacker and a “beast” with an impressive college stat line of 237 tackles and 14.5 sacks at BYU. The Vikings made a swift and decisive move on Thursday, signing Takitaki to their practice squad to bolster their linebacker corps. This addition is a strategic response to Cashman’s absence and a testament to the team’s proactive approach to maintaining defensive strength.
Takitaki, a 30-year-old former third-round draft pick (80th overall) by the Cleveland Browns in 2019, brings a wealth of experience to Minnesota. Over his six-year NFL career, he has amassed 289 tackles, four sacks, and two interceptions, including a pick-six in 2020. His standout season came in 2022 with the Browns, where he recorded 71 tackles in 12 games, starting eight. Last year, while with the New England Patriots, Takitaki started four of 11 games, contributing 21 tackles across 194 defensive snaps and 112 special teams snaps.
His Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades further underscore his reliability as a second- or third-string linebacker:
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2019: 64.5
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2020: 67.5
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2021: 67.5
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2022: 66.5
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2023: 70.7
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2024: 63.0
These numbers reflect a balanced defender capable of contributing against the run, in coverage, and as a pass rusher. While not a Pro Bowl talent, Takitaki’s consistency makes him a valuable asset, especially for a Vikings team needing immediate depth.
The Vikings’ decision to sign Takitaki is no haphazard move. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who worked for the Cleveland Browns during Takitaki’s tenure there, is familiar with the linebacker’s skill set. This connection likely played a role in the swift acquisition. Additionally, Takitaki’s versatility aligns well with the defensive scheme of Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, a disciple of the Bill Belichick coaching tree. Flores’ blitz-heavy system could be a natural fit for Takitaki, who flashed in various alignments at BYU and has experience in similar defensive structures.
Takitaki’s release from the Patriots in February 2025 raised eyebrows, as he was a cost-effective, reliable defender. However, New England’s shift to a new defensive scheme under head coach Mike Vrabel, moving away from the Belichick-style defense run by Vrabel’s predecessor Jerod Mayo, likely made Takitaki expendable. The Patriots saved some cap space, but the move may also have been a power play by Vrabel to assert his authority over executive Eliot Wolf, who originally signed Takitaki. For Minnesota, this created an opportunity to snag a player who might thrive in Flores’ system.
The Vikings wasted no time filling out their roster. Alongside Takitaki, they added Tyrek Funderburk to the practice squad, while promoting wide receiver Tim Jones and tight end Nick Vannett to the 53-man roster. With the ability to elevate practice squad players like Takitaki up to three times per season, the Vikings have flexibility to deploy him as needed. Given the team’s thin linebacker depth, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Takitaki active as early as this Sunday. Last season, the Vikings signed linebacker Jamin Davis midseason, and he saw playing time just days later against the Cardinals—a precedent that suggests Takitaki could hit the field quickly.
Relying solely on rookies Kobe King and Austin Keys as backups poses a significant risk, especially with a challenging schedule ahead. Takitaki’s experience and physicality make him a critical addition, capable of stepping up on defense or contributing on special teams.
The Vikings’ rapid response to Cashman’s injury highlights their commitment to maintaining a competitive roster despite setbacks. Sione Takitaki, with his 237 college tackles, 14.5 sacks, and proven NFL pedigree, is a “beast” who brings stability and versatility to a depleted linebacker group. As Minnesota prepares for Week 2 and beyond, Takitaki’s addition could prove to be a game-changer, ensuring the defense remains formidable even in the face of adversity.