Remember Gavin Bartholomew? The towering 6th-round draft pick from the Minnesota Vikings back in April 2025? After vanishing from the radar for eight long months due to a nagging back injury, the rookie tight end has made a stunning comeback. At 1.93 meters (6’4″) and a massive 118 kg (260 lbs), Bartholomew’s return is shaking up the Vikings’ offense and putting the entire NFL on notice. This forgotten playmaker is back, and he’s ready to make waves in the final stretch of the season.
Vikings Activate Bartholomew’s Practice Window Amid Roster Shakeup
In a surprising move that caught many fans off guard, the Minnesota Vikings opened Bartholomew’s 21-day practice window on Wednesday, designating him to return from the reserve/PUP list. This comes just as the team placed safety Josh Metellus on the shelf, creating an opportunity for the rookie to step in. With only three games left in what has been a disappointing season for the Vikings, Bartholomew’s activation adds a layer of intrigue and flexibility to an offense that’s been searching for sparks.
According to CBS Sports, “Bartholomew (back) was designated to return from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday. The rookie tight end from Pittsburgh was placed on the PUP list in late August due to a back issue, but it now appears he’s nearing a return.” The report highlights his college stats: 322 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 38 receptions in his final season at Pittsburgh. Once healthy, he’s expected to slot into a depth role, but his size and skills could quickly elevate him beyond that.
Pittsburgh tight end Gavin Bartholomew runs drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, showcasing his balance, hand usage, and short-area burst. This February 28, 2025, session in Indianapolis gave scouts a clear view of his potential as a receiving tight end.
Who is Gavin Bartholomew? The Forgotten Giant with Untapped Potential
Drafted in the 6th round by General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Bartholomew was seen as a developmental gem with massive upside. Here’s the quick profile on the 22-year-old Pennsylvania native:
- Age: 22
- College: Pittsburgh
- Height & Weight: 1.93m (6’4”) | 118kg (260 lbs)
- Consensus Big Board Ranking: 303
Earlier this season, Vikings analyst Kyle Joudry noted, “Bartholomew hasn’t seen the final chapter written in his football story. Far from it. The current setback is discouraging — for him most of all — but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost for the young tight end. Working back to full health and reinserting himself into the tight end competition whenever he’s able to do so will be a welcome development in Minnesota.”
While the rest of the 2025 draft class has contributed—Donovan Jackson at left guard, Tai Felton as a depth receiver and special teams ace, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins in the D-line rotation, and Kobe King on specials—Bartholomew’s absence made him the forgotten man. But now, with his return, the NFL is alerted to a potential game-changer who could provide matchup nightmares for defenses.
Roster Implications: Who Gets Bumped?
The Vikings’ tight end room is already stacked with stars like T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver, so Bartholomew’s addition means someone has to go. Minnesota rarely carries five tight ends on gameday, putting recent additions Ben Sims (signed from the Packers after Oliver’s injury) and undrafted rookie Ben Yurosek in the crosshairs.
Yurosek, who’s seen spot duty on offense and special teams, could be waived and potentially re-signed to the practice squad. Sims, a depth piece, might face the same fate. If Bartholomew can handle even a small snap share, it adds versatility to the offense and complicates the roster math in exciting ways.
Minnesota Vikings tight end Ben Yurosek is tackled during a preseason game, highlighting the physicality of August evaluations in 2025.
A Golden Opportunity to Salvage the Season and Secure a Future
Bartholomew is entering the fray with low expectations—house money, as they say. Most fans and analysts had written him off for 2025, labeling him a draft bust. But with the Vikings eliminated from playoff contention by early December, these final games are about auditioning for 2026. Bartholomew has a three-game trial to showcase his skills, potentially nailing down the TE3 spot next year.
Vikings writer Janik Eckardt cautioned, “Bartholomew now has a three-week window in which the Vikings need to activate him or he’s out for the season. Given that only three games remain, the latter part doesn’t matter. He has never had a real practice because the Vikings shut him down before training camp began. The tight end might need some time to make the transition from college to the pros.”
That said, quarterback J.J. McCarthy has shown strong chemistry with his tight ends early in his career. Bartholomew could be the next beneficiary, getting targets in Week 16 or beyond, or at least contributing on special teams. Eckardt added, “Though the final three games are irrelevant for the Vikings’ nonexistent playoff chances, they won’t let a player see the field who is not ready for action from a physical or competitive standpoint. Therefore, it’s not a given he’ll actually make his debut.”
Pittsburgh tight end Gavin Bartholomew fights for a pass against West Virginia at Acrisure Stadium on September 14, 2024, demonstrating his competitive traits and ability to secure targets under pressure.
Why the NFL Should Be on Alert
Bartholomew’s size—1.93m and 118kg—combined with his receiving prowess makes him a mismatch weapon. In a league where tight ends like Travis Kelce and George Kittle dominate, a healthy Bartholomew could inject new life into Minnesota’s offense. His return isn’t just a roster footnote; it’s a reminder that forgotten prospects can reemerge as stars. The Vikings’ final games just got a lot more interesting, and the rest of the NFL is now officially alerted to this surprise reappearance.