The Vikings Hit with a Reverse Card, See a Pass Rusher Stolen Away

The Vikings got hit with the reverse of what has been occurring this week: a practice squad talent has been stolen away rather than just continual adds.

Consider what Tom Pelissero (Netflix and The Ringer) had to say: “Reunion: The Giants are signing edge Jihad Ward off the Vikings practice squad, per source. Ward played for NYG in 2022 and ‘23. Reinforcements after Brian Burns’ injury.” As a reminder on the basic rules, a practice squad player can’t get poached for a spot on a different practice squad. New York is offering a job on the 53-man roster, so the Vikings will see Ward move on for greener pastures.

The Vikings See the NYG Poach a Pass Rusher

Recent days have seen the New York Giants do their shopping around the Twin Cities.

Most prominently, there’s the earlier deal that involved the Giants sending over a 5th in exchange for J.J. McCarthy. Making the move for the Vikings’ No. 10 pick from 2024 came in response to losing Jaxson Dart to injury. Some will quibble with the move while others will rejoice. The point for the here and now: New York just snagged a different Vikings player in a different move.

So, the Ward deal comes on the heels of that more eyebrow-raising news update.

In Jihad Ward, the Giants are getting a rugged veteran who can be tasked with a variety of responsibilities. Most prominently, he can lineup along the edge, but he’s got good size. He can get kicked inside to play 3 technique, especially on passing downs.

Mr. Ward played for the Tennessee Titans in 2025. The basic statistics are reasonably promising, as evidenced by the 31 tackles, 5 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, 4 tackles for loss, and 4 passes defended. Not too shabby, especially for an older gentleman who is known as a depth option and a journeyman.

Going to New York means reuniting with a team that Ward played for in his past. In his career, Ward has played for the Raiders, Cowboys, Colts, Ravens, Jaguars, Giants, Vikings, and Titans.

Ward, in short, hasn’t played so well that teams feel the need to keep him. He’s good enough, though, for other teams to continue giving him chances. Every so often, teams welcome him back for a second go, as Minnesota did in 2026.

As it relates to the Vikings’ pass rushing depth, things don’t look too bad at present. Consider the 53-man roster:

• EDGE1 Andrew Van Ginkel
• EDGE2 Dallas Turner
• EDGE 3 Kyle Van Noy
• EDGE4 Bo Richter
• EDGE5 Chaz Chambliss

At present, neither of Richter nor Chambliss are doing too much on defense, instead working a lot for Matt Daniels on specials. The top trio of names have been soaking up the snaps. In a pinch, off-ball linebackers like Eric Wilson and Jake Golday can do some edge rusher work.

The Vikings can then turn toward Kenny Dyson and Keshawn Banks if there’s a need to dip into the practice squad for some help. Of those two names, Mr. Dyson is the one to note since he offered such promising play during Minnesota’s preseason.

The Vikings will host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, October 4th. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT. Expect Miami’s QB1, Malik Willis, to be under duress from the Brian Flores defense.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.