What the Vikings Lose Without Josh Oliver and How They Could Replace Him

The Vikings may have to replace more than a tight end if Josh Oliver’s biceps injury is as serious as feared.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Oliver is feared to have suffered a torn biceps in Sunday’s win over Tampa Bay. An MRI is expected to determine whether that is the case. If confirmed, Oliver would be out indefinitely. A torn biceps could end his season.

That uncertainty arrives at a difficult time for Minnesota’s offense. The Vikings are 3-0, but they have struggled to sustain production on the ground or establish a passing rhythm. Jordan Mason is already on injured reserve, Justin Jefferson’s ankle injury is still being evaluated, and Kyler Murray’s first full game with the offense produced more questions than answers.

Oliver’s role doesn’t always show up in the box score, as his value is clearest when he helps create room for someone else.

In 2025, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips described him as “the best blocking Y (tight end) with pass game value in the NFL.” Phillips praised Oliver’s physicality, including his ability to block defensive ends one-on-one, and called him “a different human” in that role. It’s a strong endorsement — and an explanation of why his possible absence could affect the offense well beyond the tight-end depth chart.

He’s one of the very best at what he does: blocking the edge as a tight end. His size and strength allow him to perform blocks most other players cannot provide.

Oliver has also contributed as a receiver. He recorded career highs of 22 catches for 258 yards and three touchdowns in 2024, then had 15 catches for 160 yards and four touchdowns in 2025. This year, he’s up to three catches and 46 yards. Minnesota extended its blocking specialist in 2025 through the 2028 season.

The immediate next man up is 2025 rookie Gavin Bartholomew (four career snaps on offense), who could be in line for more work if Oliver misses time. But replacing Oliver’s snaps does not have to mean a straight swap at tight end. The Vikings can adjust personnel and formations, though every option comes with a tradeoff.

One possibility is using more 11 personnel, with one running back, one tight end and three receivers. That could put another receiver on the field and spread the defense out. But if Jefferson is unavailable, the Vikings would be trying to do it without their most important receiver. More three-wide looks may help create space, yet Minnesota would lose some of the blocking strength and versatility it gets from a second tight end.

Jauan Jennings could help fill some of that physical role from the receiver position. His size and blocking ability make him a different option from a typical wideout, and more snaps for Jennings could let Minnesota maintain a physical edge while getting another receiver on the field. The Vikings could also use fullback Max Bredeson more often, adding a lead blocker to formations designed to get the running game moving.

Those adjustments may help, but none makes the problem disappear. Mason’s absence has already reduced the Vikings’ options on the ground. Aaron Jones carried 17 times for 58 yards against Tampa Bay, while Murray contributed with his legs. DeeJay Dallas and Demond Claiborne are hardly trusted. Losing Oliver could make it even harder to generate the kind of blocking surfaces that give Jones cleaner lanes.

The passing game offers little cushion. Murray completed 15 of 29 passes for 168 yards, a touchdown and an interception against Tampa Bay. Jordan Addison’s 41-yard touchdown was a major play, but the offense struggled to string together successful possessions (or even plays), particularly after Jefferson left in the first quarter. Minnesota had only three first downs in the second half.

Oliver’s blocking can support the passing game, too. A tight end who can handle an edge defender gives the offense more options in protection and makes it harder for a defense to distinguish a run look from a pass concept. If Minnesota has to replace that skill set with a receiver or a fullback, it could change how the Vikings line up and what they can comfortably call.

The injury remains unconfirmed, and the MRI will determine how long Oliver might be out. For now, the Vikings have to prepare for the possibility that a player whose biggest contributions often go unnoticed may be missing from an offense that already needs help in both phases.

Minnesota can redistribute Oliver’s snaps among Bartholomew, Hockenson, Jennings and Bredeson. The harder task is replacing what Oliver lets the offense do: stay physical in the run game, protect the quarterback and keep the defense guessing.