Vikings defender activated to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 16

The Minnesota Vikings have a big divisional game coming up in Week 16 when they host the Detroit Lions and will need every possible healthy player available for what will be an important contest with major playoff implications.

Good news has arrived for the Vikings as the team announced on Saturday afternoon that the team will have a starting linebacker return to the 53-man roster for the Christmas Eve game at U.S. Bank Stadium.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Minnesota Vikings shared the news that Jordan Hicks has been activated to the 53-man roster along with a few other transactions. Here is the official post from X:

What does this mean for the Minnesota Vikings?

Jordan Hicks suffered a leg contusion against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 12. Upon medical evaluation, he was diagnosed with compartment syndrome and was placed on injured reserve by the Vikings. He has been working hard to get back to the team since that injury.

Hicks has been a full participant in practice since Wednesday and is listed as questionable for the game against the Lions. If he is good to go, he will join Ivan Pace Jr. in the middle of Minnesota's defense this weekend.

To make room for Jordan Hicks on the 53-man roster, the Vikings waived linebacker Nick Vigil. Minnesota also announced elevations from the practice squad for two players: wide receiver Lucky Jackson and cornerback Jaylin Williams. They are now eligible to play in Sunday's game against the Lions on Sunday.

It will be great to have Hicks back in a Minnesota Vikings uniform whenever he is ready for action. He was the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 6 and has been a great part of a hugely improved defense that struggled mightily last season.