Josh

Oliver

Oliver’s absence will more likely be felt in the run game than the pass. The veteran tight end has earned just six targets on the season, but has generally fared well as a run-blocker. The Vikings face the Ravens’ fantasy-friendly defense this weekend, so hopefully his absence ultimately goes unnoticed.

That makes two more DNPs in a row for Oliver, who has not practiced since hurting the foot in Week 8. He doesn’t seem to be on track for a return this week, but Kevin O’Connell said he’d begin working on a side field at some point this week. Perhaps Week 11 is a more realistic timetable for the veteran tight end at this point.

Oliver is dealing with a sprain in his foot. The Vikings signed Ben Sims earlier this week as a potential replacement for him. Oliver hasn’t caught more than two passes in a game this year. He does, however, have two touchdowns to his name. His absence could slightly boost T.J. Hockenson’s odds of getting in the end zone.

Oliver caught a 32-yard score from Cam Akers on a trick play in the first half. He nearly got in the paint a second time with a catch at the goal line, but the blocking tight end couldn’t muscle his way into the end zone. Oliver doesn’t have more than two catches in a game this year, though he does have two touchdowns. He is more of a nuisance for T.J. Hockenson drafters than a standalone fantasy asset.

Oliver popped up on the injury report with an ankle injury and did not practice on Wednesday. Center Ryan Kelly (toe) also did not practice on Wednesday. Both players are key to the Vikings’ blocking schemes and Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones may have less rushing lanes against the Falcons if neither can play Week 2.

Oliver’s new deal includes a max payout of $27.5 million. Used mostly as a blocking tight end, the Vikings clearly value Oliver as a key part of Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system. Oliver managed 22 catches for 258 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. Pro Football Focus graded him as the league’s best run-blocking tight end. Oliver is now signed through the 2027 season.

Oliver missed a pair of games with the ankle issue and had the wrist injury added to his report more recently. A full practice puts him on track to return in Week 14. With T.J. Hockenson over a month removed from his 2024 debut, Oliver’s return shouldn’t affect his target volume.

Oliver missed last week with the ankle issue, though the wrist is a new addition to his report. T.J. Hockenson ran a season-high 84 percent of the Vikings’ routes with Oliver out last week. He caught seven balls for 114 yards. You were starting Hockenson no matter what, but the Oliver absence should keep the veteran tight end’s route rate high.

Oliver was ruled out on Friday with an ankle injury. His absence will clear the way for T.J. Hockenson’s role to grow in his fourth game back from his 2023 torn ACL. Johnny Mundt should also see a few extra snaps with Oliver out.

Oliver doesn’t have standalone fantasy value, but he was splitting reps with T.J. Hockenson, who just returned from the torn ACL he suffered late in the 2023 season. Oliver’s absence may force the Vikings to deploy Hockenson in a full-time role, giving him TE1 upside for Week 12.