The Vikings Could Be Without Josh Oliver For A While

The Minnesota Vikings have suffered a significant blow to their offense after tight end Josh Oliver appeared to sustain a torn bicep during Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The news has raised concerns that Oliver may be sidelined for an extended period, potentially the entire season. If the injury does indeed prove to be a torn bicep, Oliver will require surgery, which could render him out indefinitely.

Josh Oliver has been one of the Vikings' top blocking tight ends and signed a new three-year contract extension with the team in 2025. His absence would undoubtedly have a substantial impact on the running game, which has already struggled in the first three weeks of the season. Should Oliver miss any time, the Vikings may turn to backup tight end Gavin Bartholomew, who entered the league as the seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

However, Bartholomew has struggled through his rookie season, battling a back injury that kept him on the Physically Unable to Perform List for most of the year. He has only played four offensive snaps through the Vikings' first three games.

In addition to Bartholomew, the Vikings have another backup option in former Cincinnati Bengals tight end Cam Grandy, who is currently on the practice squad. Grandy has mainly been utilized as a special teams player throughout his NFL career thus far. Fans are hoping that the severity of Oliver's injury is not as grave as initially feared, with the hope that he will soon return to action and the Vikings can continue their season without prolonged disruption.