Vikings Pull the Next Lever, Make 2 Moves to Shore Up Depth

Vikings Pull the Next Lever, Make 2 Moves to Shore Up Depth K. Joudry | Published : Nov 12, 2026 Follow Us Facebook Twitter Reddit WhatsApp Email Copy Link Copy Link Link Copied Lately, all of the focus ( or close to all of the focus ) around the Vikings has been on the decision to bring Kirk Cousins back to the Twin Cities . Fair enough. Do note, though, that Minnesota’s football team goes beyond just who lines up under center. GM Nolan Teasley understands that reality (even as he’ll readily admit that QB is the unique position that can impact everything on a football field ). Consider the news of the additions from the team itself : “The #Vikings have signed RB Damon Bankston and LB Josh Ross to the practice squad.” Vikings Pickup a Pair of New Players To begin, note the addition at linebacker. Josh Ross has previously worked in Minnesota. He spent the 2026 offseason competing to earn a spot on the roster before Minnesota ultimately moved on. Part of what appears to be playing into his return is the absence of LB1 Blake Cashman , the veteran who does so much so well. Ross, to be clear, isn’t being understood as a one-for-one replacement; rather, he’s a down the depth chart player who helps to solidify the overall position to then allow other guys — Eric Wilson, Ivan Pace, and Jake Golday — to shoulder a beefier workload. Think giving that above trio more work on defense while then leaning on a depth linebacker(s) the work on special teams. Ross, 27, stands at 6’0″ and weighs roughly 230 pounds. He’s therefore built like a large safety rather than the traditional linebacker who is a 250-pound downhill thumper. The defender’s NFL career goes back to 2022 and has involved 419 special teams snaps. Meanwhile, the running back addition may raise some suspicions, especially for those who call Wisconsin home. Damon Bankston is a 23-year-old running back who spent much of September and October working for the Green Bay Packers. Minnesota’s opponent in Week 10 is the … Green Bay Packers. So, many may be doing the easy work of speculating about whether this is an instance of the Vikings seeking to lean on a player who knows some behind-the-scenes information on an upcoming opponent. At 5’10” and 186 pounds, Bankston is a smaller runner. His frame points toward somebody who may do better at catching screen passes than being somebody to pickup a hard 2 yards between the tackles. The team website further clarifies that the runner initially worked with the Giants as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft . Expect all of Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and DeeJay Dallas to be active on Sunday. However, rookie runner Demond Claiborne is on the IR. Truth be told, the Minnesota Vikings aren’t likely to lean on these new lads for work on Sunday, November 15th. Of the two, Josh Ross is the one who is more likely to get leaned on since he’s got knowledge of the Vikings’ coaching staff and scheme alongside some previous NFL experience. Continue circling around to VT to stay up to date on the Vikings’ news ahead of what’s looking like a pivotal Week 10 game. Discover more from Vikings Territory Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe By K. Joudry Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.