There is only one game left on the schedule for the Minnesota Vikings this season. A matchup against the playoff-bound Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 18 still holds meaning for the team and its fans.
The Vikings are beat up heading into Sunday afternoon's game. With multiple injuries impacting the team, the sad news was shared on Monday that defensive lineman Elijah Williams' ankle injury, which he suffered against the Detroit Lions in Week 17, was more severe than initially thought.
Minnesota shared on the official team website that Williams has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season after notching nine tackles on defense and special teams. This move opened a spot on the 53-man roster for the Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings signed rookie CB Zemaiah Vaughn to active roster before season finale against Green Bay Packers
To fill that hole on the roster, Minnesota announced on Monday that they promoted undrafted free agent cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn to the 53-man roster. That name might be familiar to fans who paid attention during training camp and preseason.
A standout at the University of Utah, Vaughn was not selected during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Vikings brought him into camp, signing him as an undrafted free agent. He lasted until final roster cuts, but was eventually let go. He returned to Minnesota to be on their practice squad.
Sunday will be a big opportunity for the 6-foot-3, 180-pound defensive back. Even if he only gets snaps on special teams, getting your foot in the door and landing an opportunity to showcase your talent at the NFL level is a lot of pressure for a young player.
As it stands, the Vikings have a chance to finish the season with a winning record if they can defeat the Packers on Sunday. Not only that, but seeing the team overcome all the injuries and issues that held them back this season and not finish last in the NFC North is remarkable.
Green Bay is expected to rest many of its key players in this game, meaning there is a good chance that Minnesota could get the win to finish the season on a five-game winning streak.
Hopefully, the team can accomplish that feat on Sunday, and fans can get a look at what Zemaiah Vaughn has to offer the Vikings in the future.