In a move that’s flying under the radar but could pack a punch in the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings have quietly bolstered their practice squad with linebacker Josh Ross. With just four games left in the 2025 season, this addition might not scream “blockbuster,” but dig into the numbers, and you’ll see why rivals like the Packers, Bears, and Lions should take notice. Ross isn’t just another body—he’s a special teams specialist with a whopping 419 snaps under his belt and 11 hard-earned tackles across his career. In a division where every edge counts, especially on kickoffs and punts, this could be the hidden weapon that helps Minnesota seal a playoff spot.
A Timely Depth Boost Amid Injury Woes
The Vikings, under General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, aren’t resting on their laurels as the season winds down. Injuries have piled up, particularly in the linebacker room, prompting the team to host Ross for a tryout and sign him to the practice squad on the spot. As NFL writer Jonathan Comeaux reported, “The Vikings are signing LB Josh Ross to their practice squad on Tuesday. Minnesota hosted Ross for a tryout earlier today and was impressed enough to quickly sign him to a contract.”
Ross, 26, hails from Detroit and brings a gritty, Midwestern work ethic to the purple and gold. He’s unlikely to see regular-season action right away—think of him as a futures contract candidate for 2026—but his presence adds valuable insurance. The Vikings’ website has already confirmed the transaction, making it official: Ross is a Viking for the home stretch.
From Michigan Wolverine to NFL Journeyman
Ross’s journey to Minnesota is a classic underdog tale. A standout at the University of Michigan from 2017 to 2021, he earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors in his final season and clocked a respectable 4.79-second 40-yard dash ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite crossing paths with current Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy during McCarthy’s freshman year, Ross went undrafted. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent, spending 2.5 seasons bouncing on and off their practice squad under head coach John Harbaugh.
In 2024, Ross was waived by Baltimore in October and briefly joined the Seattle Seahawks during 2025 free agency. However, he didn’t make the final roster cuts, leaving him unsigned for the past three months. Now, at 6’0″ and 230 pounds, he’s ready to prove himself in the NFC North.
His career stats? Zero defensive snaps as a linebacker—yep, you read that right—but those 419 special teams snaps and 11 tackles tell a different story. Ross has carved out a niche on coverage units, where his speed and instincts shine. In a league where special teams can swing games (just ask the Vikings, who’ve been hit with penalties this season), his experience is gold.
Scouting the New Viking: “Underrated with Starting Potential”
Before the 2022 draft, Pro Football Network’s Oliver Hodgkinson raved about Ross: “Underrated linebacker with a complete game. Instinctive, quickly reads plays, and fires to the action. Displays tremendous range on the field and goes sideline to sideline. Plays with a violent attitude and possesses a terrific closing burst. Can be a devastating hitter and drives his shoulders through opponents.”
Hodgkinson didn’t stop there: “Easily changes direction, quickly gets out in lateral pursuit, and uses his hands to protect himself. Remains disciplined with coverage assignments, is very effective in zone coverage, and redirects to make the tackle in space.” He even projected Ross as having “starting potential on the inside of a 3-4 alignment,” calling him “significantly underrated” and a potential productive pro with the right coaching.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Ross’s recent stints with the Ravens and Seahawks showcase his adaptability. Photos from his time in Seattle—tracking runs and shallow routes against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium—highlight his range and tackling angles. Earlier Ravens shots, like chatting with Harbaugh during a 2022 preseason game or hydrating on the sideline at Michigan’s 2021 matchup against Maryland, capture his composure and team-first mentality.
Fitting into Minnesota’s Linebacker Corps
Ross joins an already solid group of off-ball linebackers, updating the Vikings’ depth chart like this:
- Blake Cashman (leading the team in tackles despite missing four games)
- Eric Wilson (enjoying a career year, potentially Pro Bowl-bound and likely to re-sign)
- Ivan Pace Jr.
- Austin Keys
- Sione Takitaki (Practice Squad)
- Josh Ross (Practice Squad)
With defensive stalwarts like Cashman and Wilson handling the heavy lifting, Ross’s role—if elevated to the gameday roster—will almost certainly be on special teams. The Vikings have struggled with penalties in that phase but played cleaner last weekend. Ross could provide an injection of reliability on return coverage, where his 419 snaps make him a proven asset. That’s his “jam,” as they say.
Why the NFC North Should Be on Alert
Look, the NFC North is a dogfight every year, and special teams often decide close games. Ross’s addition might seem minor, but those 419 snaps represent battle-tested experience that could tip the scales in crunch time. As the Vikings eye the playoffs, this under-the-radar signing from Adofo-Mensah could be the spark that crushes the competition. Rivals won’t believe it until they see Ross flying downfield on a punt return.
Ross turns 27 next Halloween, so he’s in his prime. If he sticks around, expect him to earn that futures deal and contribute beyond 2025. For now, Vikings fans: Welcome the new defender who’s ready to make an impact where it counts.