Does a Vikings Rookie See the Alarm Bells Start Sounding Soon?

Vikings rookie Jakobe Thomas has yet to play. Not just on defense, but overall. Worse yet, he hasn’t even been…

By K. Joudry · Vikings Territory

Published: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 8:30 PM

Key Things to Know

Vikings Territory questions whether rookie safety Jakobe Thomas's continued absence from game-day rosters raises developmental concerns.
Thomas has not dressed or played in any of Minnesota's first five games this season.
The third-round pick missed significant offseason time while recovering from a back injury.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Vikings rookie safety Jakobe Thomas has yet to play or dress in Minnesota's first five games of the season. K. Joudry argues that while it remains early, the third-round draft pick's continued absence raises concerns regarding his overall development, especially considering recent drafting struggles in Minnesota.

Thomas missed offseason reps due to a back injury and faces a logjam behind safeties Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus, and Theo Jackson. Joudry notes that despite low Pro Football Focus rankings for Minnesota's primary safety rotation, Thomas has still been unable to secure an active game-day role.

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Does a Vikings Rookie See the Alarm Bells Start Sounding Soon?

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