Former Viking Tasked with Sack Duty in Week 1

Minnesota Vikings nose tackle Javon Hargrave reacts on the field during a game at U.S. Bank Stadium against Washington — Minnesota Vikings nose tackle Javon Hargrave reacts during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium, with the date Dec. 7, 2025 marking a physical matchup against the Washington Commanders in Minneapolis. Hargrave was active along the interior defensive line, showing emotion after a key sequence as Minnesota worked to control the trenches late in the game. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel–Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are set to face the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. That means they’ll open with their biggest rival, and be looking to start the season on a positive note in the NFC North.

A year ago, the Green Bay Packers added one of the best edge rushers in football when they acquired Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys.

Hargrave Will Be Asked to Fill a Massive Void in GB

Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL late in the season and underwent surgery. It remains unclear when he will be available for the 2026 season, which immediately benefits Minnesota.

Last season, Parsons played in his first Packers-Vikings game during Week 12, and he racked up a pair of sacks while logging three quarterback hits. He’s a menace off the edge and is a problem for any passer dropping back in the pocket. If there’s a game he’s going to miss, though, it seems that the one out of the gate makes sense.

Dec 2, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Javon Hargrave (79) celebrates a third quarter play against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports.

Should Parsons not be available, eyes turn even more significantly to former Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Javon Hargrave. Released as a cap casualty that didn’t live up to expectations a season ago, the defensive tackle will certainly be looking to get back at his former employer. He won’t have the benefit of focus on the edge, but he has been a guy who can get home up the middle.

After playing in just three games during 2024 for the San Francisco 49ers, Hargrave tallied 3.5 sacks last season with Minnesota. That was down substantially from the 7.0 he had as a Pro Bowl selection in 2023, and even lower than the career-high 11.0 he had in 2022.

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in Week 1 2025 — Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave against the Chicago Bears in Week 1 of 2025. The two signed in 2025 free agent with Minnesota, multi-year deals for both. Mandatory Credit: YouTube

Hargrave isn’t getting any younger at 33, but he did sign with a rival that can provide an opportunity to get revenge on his former employer. If the Packers aren’t going to have Parsons for Week 1, then they’ll need Hargrave to be a menace up the middle, and he should be motivated to do so personally as well.

Either way, not facing a defensive star like Parsons would be a win for the Vikings. Knowing that Hargrave is coming for them won’t be a surprise, and maybe they can thwart his efforts, too.

Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler