The Minnesota Vikings elevated outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy and running back DeeJay Dallas for Sunday’s season opener against the Green Bay Packers, strengthening two game-day roles without changing the 53-man roster.
Both veterans joined the Vikings practice squad on Sept. 2. Saturday’s elevations make them eligible to play at U.S. Bank Stadium, where kickoff is scheduled for 3:25 p.m. CT.
The official transaction announcement doesn’t assign either player a spot on the depth chart, but it's likely that Van Noy will function as Minnesota’s third edge rusher behind Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. Dallas is more likely to help on special teams than disrupt the Aaron Jones-Jordan Mason backfield.
Kyle Van Noy gives the Minnesota Vikings a more trustworthy edge rotation
Here is Minnesota’s working Week 1 depth chart, with Saturday elevations included where they should affect game-day usage.
Offense: Kyler Murray (QB); Jones or Mason (RB); Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings (WR); T.J. Hockenson (TE); Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Blake Brandel, Will Fries and Brian O’Neill across the offensive line.
Defense: Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins up front; Turner and Van Ginkel starting on the edges, with Van Noy projected as the first rotational option; Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson at inside linebacker; Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy Jr. at cornerback; Joshua Metellus and Harrison Smith at safety.
Special teams: Will Reichard (K), Brett Thorson (P), Andrew DePaola (LS), and Myles Price as the primary returner. Dallas gives special teams coordinator Matt Daniels another experienced return and coverage option.
The Vikings’ unofficial depth chart released Wednesday listed Chaz Chambliss and Bo Richter behind Turner and Van Ginkel. Van Noy’s elevation effectively changes that pecking order, even if the website doesn’t.
At 35, Van Noy isn’t here to steal a developmental season from Turner. Minnesota has already committed to giving its former first-round pick an expanded role after his eight-sack 2025 campaign, and the idea that Turner faces overwhelming pressure has always felt exaggerated.
Van Noy instead gives Brian Flores a veteran who understands his defense and can survive meaningful snaps if Green Bay leans on the run or goes hurry-up. He also adds another movable pressure piece for a favorable matchup against Green Bay.
Dallas’ elevation isn't as glamorous, but just as logical. His extensive special-teams experience protects Price and keeps Jones and Mason away from unnecessary kicking-game work. Van Noy might get the attention, but both moves make Sunday’s active roster cleaner and considerably more functional.
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