Vikings Shuffle Roster Ahead of Critical Week 12 Matchup in Green Bay

The Minnesota Vikings enter Week 12 in urgent need of a turnaround. At 4-6 and having dropped four of their last five games, they travel to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers in a matchup that could determine whether the season remains salvageable. Last week’s narrow 19-17 loss to Chicago only intensified the pressure to stabilize a campaign that has drifted off course.

Against that backdrop, Minnesota made a notable roster move Thursday by releasing second-year cornerback Dwight McGlothern Jr. The undrafted Arkansas product had appeared in eight games this season and contributed on both defense and special teams. The timing and impact of the move raised questions, particularly with the secondary already stretched thin.

Minnesota now heads into preparations with only three active cornerbacks, an unusually low number for any NFL roster. With Jeff Okudah still on injured reserve, the Vikings’ defensive depth chart remains a significant concern heading into a game against a divisional rival.

Meanwhile, first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy continues navigating the steep learning curve of his rookie season, openly acknowledging the challenges of transitioning to NFL systems and expectations.

1. Roster Move Tightens an Already Thin Secondary

McGlothern’s release immediately drew attention because of the Vikings’ current situation at cornerback. Having logged 31 defensive snaps and 16 on special teams this season, he was not a major contributor but provided necessary depth in a secondary impacted by injuries. His departure leaves Minnesota with Isaiah Rodgers, Byron Murphy Jr., and Fabian Moreau as its only active corners. League insiders were quick to note the unusual nature of carrying so few defensive backs this late in the season. With Okudah unavailable, the Vikings’ secondary is already operating with limited margin for error. However, the move may be procedural rather than permanent. Minnesota could attempt to re-sign McGlothern to the practice squad before elevating him ahead of Sunday’s game — a roster maneuver teams often use to manage injuries and maintain flexibility. Even so, the Vikings are unlikely to enter a divisional matchup with just three cornerbacks, signaling more transactions are almost certainly coming.

2. Return of Ryan Kelly Drives Roster Reshuffling

One reason for McGlothern’s release may lie on the offensive side of the ball. Starting center Ryan Kelly is expected to return from injured reserve after participating fully in Wednesday’s practice. With Minnesota needing to make space on the active roster, the team’s staff appears to be juggling positional needs. Kelly’s return is a significant boost. The Vikings’ offensive line has endured stretches of inconsistency, and the veteran center provides stability both in protection and communication at the line of scrimmage. Still, the cost of activating Kelly came at a time when Minnesota’s cornerback room could least afford a subtraction. Given the demands of facing Green Bay’s passing offense in a cold-weather divisional game, defensive coordinator Brian Flores will need adequate personnel flexibility. The front office’s next move will likely clarify its strategic priorities heading into Week 12 — balancing offensive reinforcements with defensive necessity.

3. McCarthy’s Development Highlights Minnesota’s Growing Pains

As Minnesota navigates injuries and roster changes, the development of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy remains a central storyline. The former first-round pick has shown flashes of promise, but he acknowledged this week that the NFL transition has been more taxing than expected. McCarthy told The Athletic that he is “rewiring neurological pathways,” describing the shift from his college style of play to the demands of an NFL offense. The adjustment, he said, has been “really hard” and something that requires patience and repetition rather than immediate results. His honesty reflects both the complexity of the modern quarterback role and the broader reality of the Vikings’ season — a team trying to compete while simultaneously grooming its long-term franchise leader. With Minnesota needing a strong finish to stay in the playoff conversation, McCarthy’s growth and confidence will be key variables in determining how competitive the Vikings can remain down the stretch.