Minnesota Vikings tight end Devin Culp is set to make his 2026 regular-season debut Sunday, with the team elevating him from the practice squad for a critical Week 10 clash against the Green Bay Packers. The move signals an urgent need for depth in Minnesota’s receiving corps, as the Vikings scramble to fill the void left by significant injuries to their primary tight ends. Culp, who joined the practice squad on October 28, will step into a crucial role during a pivotal divisional matchup, providing the coaching staff with a viable option to stabilize the passing game.
Seventh-round pick gets rare shot at starting-level reps amid Minnesota’s injury woes.
The elevation comes as a direct response to a devastating injury report that has decimated Minnesota’s tight-end group. Starting tight end T.J. Hockenson was ruled out for the week due to wrist and chest injuries, while Josh Oliver remains sidelined with a torn biceps sustained in Week 3. With both key contributors unavailable, the Vikings are left with limited options, relying on Culp, Gavin Bartholomew, and Ben Yurosek to handle the workload. This scarcity of healthy bodies at the position forces the team to turn to its practice squad, highlighting the fragility of the roster’s depth chart.
Culp, a former seventh-round pick selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers out of Washington in the 2024 NFL draft, brings modest but proven experience to the field. Over two seasons with Tampa Bay, he appeared in 18 games, recording six receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown on seven targets. Although his production was limited, with most of his stats coming during his rookie year, his familiarity with NFL-level play makes him a logical choice for immediate deployment. As the Vikings look to navigate a tough stretch of the schedule, Culp’s ability to contribute on special teams and in the passing game could prove essential in keeping the offense afloat.
Source: Yahoo Sports
