Vikings Rookie Report: Week 8 Arrives with MIN Needing More from Young Lads

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants — Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Vikings rookie report for Week 8 arrives with many questioning whether the NFL’s last remaining perfect team is a legitimate contender. Can the rookies help the team to overcome the widespread doubt?

So far, the rookies have been important but not indispensable. Many have been very helpful for the special teams effort. Jake Golday, in particular, is a force out there (and slowly getting worked into the defense). There are then some workloads on either of offense or defense. Check it out below alongside some credit to Pro Football Reference.

Vikings Rookie Report | Week 8

Offense

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings — Sep 13, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) pushes for a touchdown during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Offensive Tackle Caleb Tiernan — 3rd Round, No. 97

2 Games, 0 Starts.
11 snaps on offense (7%).
12 snaps on special teams (21%).

Fullback Max Bredeson — 5th Round, No. 159

6 Games, 1 Start.
96 snaps on offense (25%).
45 snaps on special teams (28%).
1 tackle and a pile of blocks.

Running Back Demond Claiborne — 6th Round, No. 198

4 Games, 0 Starts.
18 snaps on offense (7%).
4 snaps on special teams (4%).
6 carries for 13 yards.
2 catches for 8 yards.

(Center Gavin Gerhardt — 7th Round, No. 235 | Cut)

Defense

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings — Aug 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Caleb Banks (95) lines up against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Defensive Tackle Caleb Banks — 1st Round, No. 18

6 Games, 0 Starts.
94 snaps on defense (26%).
24 snaps on special teams (15%).
11 tackles, 1 TFL.

Linebacker Jake Golday — 2nd Round, No. 51

6 Games, 0 Starts.
16 snaps on defense (5%).
113 snaps on specials teams (71%).
8 tackles, 1 forced fumble.

Defensive Tackle Domonique Orange — 3rd Round, No. 82

6 Games, 1 Start.
91 snaps on defense (26%).
23 special teams snaps (15%).
4 tackles, 1 TFL.

Safety Jakobe Thomas — 3rd Round, No. 98

0 Games, 0 Starts.

Corner Chuck Demmings — 5th Round, No. 163

3 Games, 0 Starts.
2 snaps on defense (1%).
24 snaps on special teams (27%).

Safety Jacob Thomas — UDFA

6 Games, 0 Starts.
26 snaps on defense (7%).
99 snaps on special teams (62%)
5 tackles, 1 QB hit.

Special Teams

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears — Sep 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings placekicker Will Reichard (16) shakes hands with punter Brett Thorson (4) after kicking a thirty-nine yard field goal against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Punter Brett Thorson — UDFA

4 Games
15 punts, 664 yards, 44.3 Y/P average.
1 touchback (6.7%).
8 inside the 20 (53.3%).

Discover more from Vikings Territory

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

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