In a surprising twist ahead of their Week 13 showdown with the Seattle Seahawks, the Minnesota Vikings have made bold roster moves, elevating former Los Angeles Rams quarterback John Wolford and fan-favorite cornerback Dwight “Nudie” McGlothern from the practice squad. These additions come at a critical juncture for the Vikings, who are dealing with injuries and clinging to their playoff hopes, while facing off against a Seahawks team led by their former starter, Sam Darnold.
Vikings Bolster QB Depth with John Wolford
The Vikings’ quarterback room has been hit hard by injuries this season, with rookie J.J. McCarthy ruled out for Week 13 and veteran Carson Wentz on injured reserve. Stepping into the starting role is undrafted free agent rookie Max Brosmer, but the team is ensuring they’re prepared for any scenario by calling up Wolford as a key backup.
Wolford, 30, brings a wealth of experience to Minnesota’s sideline. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets in 2018 and has since bounced around the league, including stints with the Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Notably, Wolford was part of the Rams’ Super Bowl-winning team in 2021. In his career, he’s appeared in regular-season games primarily with the Rams, compiling 626 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 5 interceptions on a 58.7% completion rate. He holds a 2-2 record as a starter, with his last start coming in Week 14 of the 2022 season before handing the reins to Baker Mayfield.
The Vikings signed Wolford on October 29, and this elevation marks exactly one month since his arrival. Head coach Kevin O’Connell, who worked with Wolford during their shared time in Los Angeles in 2020 and 2021, is familiar with the quarterback’s capabilities. With Brosmer starting and Wolford now just one snap away from action, the Vikings also have Desmond Ridder on the practice squad as additional insurance. This inexperienced QB group faces a tough test against Darnold and the playoff-contending Seahawks, but O’Connell’s prior connection with Wolford could provide a spark if needed.
Fan Favorite Dwight “Nudie” McGlothern Returns to the Mix
Adding to the excitement, the Vikings are bringing back second-year cornerback Dwight McGlothern, a beloved undrafted free agent known affectionately as “Nudie” among fans. McGlothern has been on a roster rollercoaster recently, having been waived ahead of Week 12 only to be re-signed to the practice squad before the game against the Green Bay Packers. Although he wasn’t elevated for that matchup, he’s now set to join the active roster for Week 13.
McGlothern has appeared in eight games for the Vikings in 2025, showing flashes of potential in a secondary that’s ranked sixth against the pass league-wide. While he hasn’t secured a larger role yet, injuries to safeties Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson—both listed as questionable on the final injury report—could open up opportunities for him in nickel packages. The Vikings’ defense has been a bright spot this season, and McGlothern’s elevation provides depth and familiarity against a Seahawks offense that’s been humming under Darnold.
Fans have rallied around McGlothern for his energetic play and underdog story, making his return a feel-good moment amid the team’s challenges.
Seahawks Counter with Their Own Roster Shuffle, Including Ex-Viking Myles Gaskin
While the Vikings’ moves were relatively subdued, their opponents were far more active. The Seahawks announced a flurry of transactions on November 29, including signing former Vikings running back Myles Gaskin from the practice squad to their 53-man roster. To make room, they placed running back George Holani on injured reserve. Seattle also elevated safety Quandre Diggs and running back Velus Jones Jr. from the practice squad.
Gaskin, who spent time with Minnesota earlier in his career, adds depth to a Seahawks backfield dealing with injuries. The team is also navigating issues in the secondary, which could be exploited by the Vikings if Brosmer—or potentially Wolford—can manage the game effectively.
What’s at Stake in Week 13
This matchup pits the Vikings against a familiar face in Darnold, who’s kept Seattle in the postseason hunt. Minnesota, meanwhile, is fighting to stay alive in the playoff race. With an unproven starter in Brosmer and backups like Wolford waiting in the wings, the Vikings’ success may hinge on their defense and these timely elevations. McGlothern’s potential contributions in the secondary could be key against Seattle’s passing attack.
As kickoff approaches, Vikings fans are buzzing about these bombshell additions. Will Wolford and McGlothern make an impact? Only time will tell in what promises to be a thrilling NFC clash. Stay tuned for updates as the Vikings aim to upset the Seahawks and keep their season alive.