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Vikings Players Whose Jobs Are about to Get Bigger

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Dallas Turner sacks Jordan Love during a Vikings-Packers game at Lambeau Field.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) drops in the pocket at Lambeau Field before Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) closes for a sack, with Nov. 23, 2025 marking the first-half divisional play in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Turner finishes the pressure as Minnesota’s defense creates an early road statement against Love. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings lost some veteran players this offseason, which is standard operating procedure for every NFL team. To make up for losses, existing players will be expected to step up, along with a whole bunch of rookies. It’s just the way it goes.

In 2026, these are those men for the Vikings, listed in alphabetical order — veterans whose job descriptions will increase.

Dallas Turner’s Promotion Has the Loudest Summer Stakes

Blake Brandel prepares before a Vikings road game against the Bengals. Vikings roster battles
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Blake Brandel (64) goes through warm-ups at Paul Brown Stadium before facing the Cincinnati Bengals on September 12, 2021. Brandel worked through pregame drills in Cincinnati while preparing for special teams and depth duties, with teammates moving around him during the early-afternoon setup before Minnesota’s road opener. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports.

Blake Brandel | C

The Vikings have a history of unconventional center selections, and Brandel might be the most surprising, given his presence on the team.

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Last season, Brandel played 383 snaps at center, indicating this isn’t merely a fleeting experiment. While his 61.4 PFF grade isn’t spectacular, it revealed a crucial truth: Minnesota may have found a viable player for a position that can hold down the fort.

That makes Week 1 a critical juncture. With Brandel slated to start at center, the experiment becomes reality. If he performs adequately, the Vikings could resolve this position without the frantic search for solutions next offseason.

If not, it’s back to square one. Brandel’s value has always stemmed from his versatility. He can play guard, shift to tackle, and now has a legitimate opportunity at center. Last season, he was indispensable, playing in all 17 games, including nine starts, and handling 64% of the offensive snaps.

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Teams often dedicate entire offseasons to finding stopgap players. Brandel, however, might be that rare individual who can not only fill a void but also secure the job long-term.

Joe Huber | G

Huber is included on this list “just in case.” The Vikings will start guards Donovan Jackson and Will Fries in 2026, but if one gets injured, Huber figures to be the next man up. Otherwise, Minnesota would have to convert tackle Walter Rouse to guard.

The undrafted rookie from 2025 saw action as a rookie and remains on the roster with training camp 3.5 weeks away. For now, he seems to be the primary backup guard. Injuries spanked the Vikings’ offensive line in 2025. If that happens again, Huber could be a starter.

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Dallas Turner | OLB

This season marks the moment the Vikings will finally justify the substantial investment made in Turner. No more talk of more “waiting for snaps” and no more relegating him to a backup role behind Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. With Greenard now an Eagle, Turner’s time has arrived.

It’s exciting because Turner’s projected 2025 sack numbers and his knack for forcing fumbles suggest a player capable of far more than simply fitting into Brian Flores’ defense. He possesses the talent to become a pass rusher who can singlehandedly alter the course of a drive.

Most Vikings fans would likely be content with him simply solidifying a starting role, reserving Pro Bowl aspirations for 2027 or 2028. That’s a reasonable expectation. However, Turner’s ascension might happen even faster.

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Minnesota didn’t draft him to be a rotational player. The Vikings expended considerable draft capital for a high-impact defensive talent. Now, he’ll receive the snaps to prove that investment was worthwhile.

Dallas Turner appears at a Play Football event before the NFL Draft. Vikings roster battles
Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner appears at the Play Football Prospect Clinic at The Corner Ballpark in Detroit on Apr 24, 2024. Turner took part in the NFL Draft week event before joining the Minnesota Vikings, giving cameras another look at one of the class’s premier defensive prospects in a community setting. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

SI.com‘s Will Ragatz noted on Turner last month, “A substantial part of the calculus of trading Greenard is that the Vikings need to see what they have full-time in Turner, who they traded up for in the first round two years ago.”

“He came alive in the second half of last season and has an arrow pointing straight up heading into year three at 23 years old. Turner emerging as a star would help fans forget about the Greenard trade pretty quickly.”

Jay Ward | S

The most mysterious statement in the current Vikings landscape is this: Harrison Smith is not presently on the roster. He may return; he may be retired. Nobody knows. If Smith remains away or retires, Ward stands to be one of the biggest beneficiaries on the entire depth chart.

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He already provided the Vikings with compelling reasons to consider him. Late last season, Ward surpassed Theo Jackson, injecting more intensity into the secondary. His aggressive play was noticeable, and his ball-tracking ability proved helpful. The defense as a whole appeared more dynamic with him on the field.

Anthony Barr celebrates a fumble recovery with Jay Ward and Pat Jones II. Vikings roster battles
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr celebrates with safety Jay Ward and linebacker Pat Jones II after a fourth-quarter fumble recovery at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov 27, 2023. Barr’s takeaway energized Minnesota late against the Chicago Bears, giving the Vikings a momentum jolt during a tense Monday Night Football divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

If Smith is indeed done, Minnesota would likely enter Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers with Josh Metellus and Ward as the starting safeties.

It represents a monumental challenge for Ward, but it’s precisely the kind of opportunity young defensive backs strive for over two years. The Vikings may have an open safety spot, and Ward is currently in the prime position to claim it. It’s also the final year of his rookie contract, also known as go-time.


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Karolina Muchova: “I’d Like to Know What Happened Too”

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Karolina Muchova is back in the Wimbledon quarter-finals after ending a four-year wait with a hard-fought victory over defending champion Barbora Krejcikova.

The Czech star defeated her compatriot 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 to extend her winning streak to eight matches and record her 33rd victory of the 2026 season.

After the match, Muchova was full of praise for the reigning Wimbledon champion.

  • Coco Gauff Says Age Is Still on Her SideCoco Gauff Says Age Is Still on Her Side

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“You have to give it to her. She’s not a Wimbledon champion by luck. She knows how to play on this surface. She can get you into all the uncomfortable positions.”

She admitted losing her concentration briefly allowed Krejcikova back into the match.

“I think I lost focus for one or two balls and she started hitting freely. She deserved the second set. It was an incredibly tough match.”

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The victory also marked Muchova’s first Wimbledon quarter-final since 2021 after suffering first-round exits in each of the previous four tournaments.

Asked what had changed, the 28-year-old couldn’t help but laugh.

“I’d like to know what happened too.”

She then reflected on the difficult years that followed.

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“Those years I had some tough times during the period of Wimbledon. Just incredibly happy for this whole season. How I’m playing. I’m enjoying tennis a lot. This is just incredible to be here and make the quarter-finals.”

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Terence Crawford’s trainer BoMac predicts Errol Spence vs Tim Tszyu: “What’s he got left?”

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Errol Spence Jr returns to the ring this month, facing Tim Tszyu in Australia following three years of inactivity after his 2023 loss to Terence Crawford. Brian McIntyre, the trainer behind Crawford’s game plan, has weighed in on the upcoming fight.

Spence was beaten thoroughly by Crawford and, as his inactivity went on, was thought to have quietly retired from the sport. When announcing his deal to face Tszyu, he promised fans that he is only returning because he feels he has more left in the tank.

The Australian will boast home advantage and look to get a win on the world stage following two defeats to Sebastian Fundora and a KO loss to Bakhram Murtazliev. With that in mind, the big question fans have pre-fight is which man has more left to give in the sport.

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Speaking to FightHype, ‘BoMac’ summed the fight up similarly, saying that a prime Spence wins, but a prime Tszyu can cause problems.

“That’s gonna be a great fight. If Errol’s gonna be himself, he should win, but we don’t know what he got left. If Tim comes in and is himself, he’ll push Errol to the edge.”

Asked if he believes it’s a 50/50 contest, McIntyre said no.

“No, I don’t think so. I think Errol probably will win.

Spence vs Tszyu will be fought at a 158lbs catchweight. It tops a card on July 25 in Sydney, Australia, which also features Jermall Charlo and Stephen Fulton.

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Is England vs Mexico on BBC or ITV tonight? TV channel and live stream information

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England will take on World Cup co-hosts Mexico in the last 16 in the early hours on Monday for a spot in the quarter-finals

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NFL analyst identifies Falcons’ most promising building block

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After years of struggling to generate a competent pass rush, the Atlanta Falcons finally found the right formula under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2025. The Falcons finished second in the NFL with a franchise-record 57 sacks last season.

This was a massive step up for a defense that finished 31st in the league with just 31 sacks in 2024. So, what changed? There were several factors, including the improvement of second-year defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus, but the team’s rookie duo of Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. was arguably the biggest difference.

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Pearce led all rookies with 10.5 sacks, while Walker’s 5.5 sacks were the second-most of anyone in the 2025 NFL Draft class. While Pearce generated most of the headlines, Walker is the more complete player. The former Georgia Bulldog has the versatility to play multiple spots along the front seven.

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Bleacher Report listed each team’s “most promising building block” ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Walker was B/R’s choice for the Falcons.

“The Atlanta Falcons have a trio of exciting skill players in Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson,” wrote B/R’s Kristopher Knox. “However, two of them have made the Pro Bowl, while London—who made last year’s list—recently received a contract extension. So, we’ll pivot to the defensive side of the ball and second-year linebacker Jalon Walker. The Georgia product impressed as a rookie, tallying 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and nine QB hits.”

The Falcons attempted to play the former off-ball linebacker in more of a true edge role last season, but with Kaden Elliss departing in free agency, Walker is expected to pick up the slack on Ulbrich’s defense.

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“While he was largely used as an edge-rusher last season, the Falcons envision him being more of an all-around defender in the mold of former standout Kaden Elliss in Year 2,” added Knox. “Expect Walker to continue growing into a prominent role as one of Atlanta’s top defenders.”

With Pearce expected to be suspended for the start of the season, it will be interesting to see where Walker lines up in Week 1. Ultimately, the former Georgia standout’s versatility will only help Atlanta’s defense in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: NFL analyst identifies Falcons’ most promising building block

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Folarin Balogun cleared to play vs. Belgium after red card lifted

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USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun will be able to play in Monday’s game against Belgium in the Round of 16 match after all following an uproar over a red card he received against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Balogun received the red card after he stepped on the foot of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. The red card was given after Brazilian referee Raphael Claus stopped the match for a VAR review to determine whether Balogun had committed a severe foul.

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Folarin Balogun of United States of America walks off the field after receiving a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between United States of America and Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California (Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It was ruled that Balogun did and he was sent off.

The Athletic, which first reported Balogun’s playing status on Sunday, noted that part of FIFA’s disciplinary code stated, “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”

“If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement,” the rule added.

FOX Sports confirmed that Balogun would be able to play. The report noted that the play should not have been flagged to Claus.

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Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic

United States’ Folarin Balogun (20) and United States’ Christian Pulisic (10) stand by after Balogun received a red card during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

FIFA confirmed that the suspension was suspended for a probationary period of one year.

“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” U.S. Soccer said. “Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”

Balogun scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He spoke to reporters Friday about the red card.

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“First and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I’m sure a lot of people know. But, you know, I think the choice of the referee was, of course, his choice, but I don’t think it was the correct call,” he said. “I think a yellow card would have been fair due to it not being intentional. There’s not many places I can place my foot in such a scenario. But it’s happened, and it’s something that I have to accept and move forward from.

“There’s been lots of different emotions. I’ve been upset, I’ve been happy, it’s been surreal to be honest,” he added. “But for me it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and emotion. There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring. Little kids, boys and girls are watching. We have to show them the correct way to handle things even when you think it’s unjust, so I felt I did that. I’m happy with the support, not just I’m receiving but the team. I think we’re all looking forward to seeing what we can do against Belgium.”

U.S. Soccer had no way to appeal the ruing. Article 9.6 of the 2026 World Cup regulations reads, “No protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless otherwise stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

Falorin Balogun celebrates goal

United States’ Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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“If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match,” Article 10.5 adds.

Fox News’ Jonathan Hunt contributed to this report.

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Brandon Aiyuk changes tune on Jayden Daniels after dragging Commanders QB’s mom into online beef

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Brandon Aiyuk just can’t stop grabbing headlines. The wide receiver has been looking to get out of San Francisco and join the Washington Commanders. However, he spoiled his case after dragging quarterback Jayden Daniels’ mother into his beef following Daniels’ nonchalant reaction to a fan shouting “f*** Brandon Aiyuk” at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Aiyuk tried to do the damage repair with his latest Instagram story on Sunday. He posted a clip of himself wearing a Commanders hat and holding a pair of white cleats. He also tagged Daniels in the story.

“Let’s Run it 5! Let’s see ! Need you available all szn and I’ll do the same!” Aiyuk wrote.

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Brandon Aiyuk via Instagram (@brandonaiyuk)Brandon Aiyuk via Instagram (@brandonaiyuk)
Brandon Aiyuk via Instagram (@brandonaiyuk)

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A fan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup repeatedly shouted “f*** Brandon Aiyuk” at Daniels. The Commanders QB laughed at it and didn’t care to interact with the fan. Despite it being a standard way to deal with the situation, Aiyuk was not pleased with the signal-caller. He posted a picture of himself frowning.

“Tf always so funny? Turn your savage up.” Aiyuk wrote.

The wide receiver posted another message a little later.

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“(Daniels) is going to text me talking about, ‘You’re on my team now, you follow my rules.’ Boy, I’m a grown man. You’re going to have stop running behind your mama and I might believe what you’re talking about, but until then, no.”

The two of them have unfollowed each other on Instagram. NFL insiders believe that front offices are growing increasingly concerned about Aiyuk’s online behavior.

Also Read: “He might never play another NFL down”: Insider makes feelings known on Brandon Aiyuk calling out Jayden Daniels amid beef with 49ers

Also Read: Brandon Aiyuk takes dig at Jayden Daniels’ mom Regina while attacking Commanders QB in beef with 49ers

Warren Sharp blasts Brandon Aiyuk over beef with Jayden Daniels

NFL analyst Warren Sharp criticized Brandon Aiyuk after the wide receiver posted a video to his Instagram Story, appearing to take a dig at Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

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In the clip, Aiyuk claimed Daniels told him he planned to join the Commanders and joked that the quarterback would have to follow his “B’s rules.” He also added that Daniels should act like a “grown a** man” before mentioning the quarterback’s mother, Regina.

Sharp hit back at Aiyuk for his behavior on X.

“Telling a franchise QB ‘you’re on my team now you’re gonna follow my rules’?? complete psychopath,” Sharp tweeted.

The situation has further fueled speculation of tension between the two.