The Minnesota Vikings are coming off an emotional comeback victory over the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 1. While that improbable win is still fresh in the minds of fans, the team must prepare for its next game.
In Week 2, the Vikings will have their home opener. For the game, the purple and gold will face off against the Atlanta Falcons. However, the team is dealing with some injuries that have created opportunities for other defenders.
Minnesota Vikings elevate two defenders from practice squad for Week 2
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Minnesota Vikings announced that they have elevated two defensive players to the 53-man roster for Saturday Night Football in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons.
The #Vikings have elevated OLB Gabe Murphy and CB Fabian Moreau to the active roster for tomorrow night's game. pic.twitter.com/BX5gIIX812
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 13, 2025
The elevations of Gabriel Murphy and Fabian Moreau will help to cover injuries to pass rusher Andrew Van Ginkel and cornerback Jeff Okudah. Hopefully, they can step in and play a role under the bright lights at U.S. Bank Stadium.
To cover for Van Ginkel, the Vikings will likely increase the role of second-year pass rusher Dallas Turner. That would open up a rotational role for Gabriel Murphy to get some reps in Brian Flores' defense.
In the case of Jeff Okudah, the cornerback situation might be rough. Okudah is a bit of a reclamation project for the Vikings, but he played 16 defensive snaps against Chicago last week, where he struggled in coverage.
Moreau is in his ninth year as a pro and played in seven games for Minnesota last season. The 31-year-old defensive back has shown potential at times and will be looking for his eighth career interception against Atlanta.
Hopefully, the Vikings will find a way to overcome their injuries and put forward a solid defensive performance. The Falcons may not be considered to be Super Bowl contenders this year, but they boast several talented players who will test Minnesota on Sunday night.
Much of the focus on the Minnesota Vikings from fans and the media centers around the offense and first-year starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy. And although the young passer was excellent in the fourth quarter of Week 1, he will need to once again lean on the team's defense to hopefully keep the score low enough to keep the purple and gold within striking distance in the game while the offense continues to find its rhythm during the 2025 NFL season.