Heading into the 2025 NFL season, there were a lot of rumblings that cornerback Jeff Okudah was making big strides in training camp and practices and could be a huge part of the team's defense this season.
Instead, the free agent acquisition has not defended a single pass with the Vikings in six games, registering only 14 tackles and recovering one fumble. The former No. 3 overall pick of the Detroit Lions has been a disappointment thus far.
Okudah has been out of action lately due to a concussion, and that situation did not improve throughout the week. He did not practice this week, and his status for the game against the Ravens already looked extremely doubtful.
Minnesota Vikings place cornerback Jeff Okudah on injured reserve
The situation for Jeff Okudah looks even worse now that the Minnesota Vikings have announced that the 26-year-old defensive back has been placed on injured reserve, and fans may have seen the last of him in a purple and gold uniform.
The #Vikings have signed CB Fabian Moreau to the 53-man roster and elevated RB Corey Kiner to the active roster for #BALvsMIN.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) November 8, 2025
CB Jeff Okudah has been placed on IR. pic.twitter.com/vstZn6IlW2
Before this season, the Vikings signed Okudah to a 1 year deal worth $2.35 million. Although this isn't a ton of salary cap space to spend, it is an investment the team hoped could have been a great value to help a questionable cornerback room be more competitive.
The loss of Okudah opened up a spot on the 53-man roster that was filled by running back Corey Kiner ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. This gives Kiner a great opportunity to improve his stock with the team.
Corey Kiner was on the Vikings practice squad. He is a 23-year-old undrafted free agent rookie out of Cincinnati who averaged 5.2 yards per carry in college. The five-foot-nine, 209-pound rusher suffered an ankle injury in training camp with the San Francisco 49ers and was released before signing with Minnesota.
In addition, cornerback Fabian Moreau was signed to the 53-man roster.
Jeff Okudah being placed on injured reserve makes the free agent visit of Asante Samuel Jr. even more important for the purple and gold. Minnesota will need to replenish its defensive back room and might be a bit more aggressive in its pursuit with Okudah out of action.
Hopefully, Okudah can heal quickly and have another chance to make a comeback in the NFL. Injuries are one of the worst parts of the NFL, and it's a shame that his opportunity to prove himself was cut short due to a concussion.