The Vikings have placed wide receiver and special teams gunner Jalen Nailor on injured reserve. This is the corresponding move for the Cam Akers trade, which was made official when Akers passed a physical on Thursday. The newly-acquired running back is practicing for the first time in Minnesota, wearing jersey No. 31.
This is unfortunate news for Nailor, who also dealt with an injury during training camp. He looked great in OTA practices and at the start of camp, but this will now be his second significant injury absence this season. The 2022 sixth-round pick will miss at least the next four games against the Chargers, Panthers, Chiefs, and Bears.
Nailor hasn't played a snap at receiver this season — the Vikings, in fact, haven't given a WR snap to anyone other than Justin Jefferson, K.J. Osborn, and Jordan Addison in the first two games. Punt returner Brandon Powell is the only other wideout on the 53-man roster at the moment. Of the four receivers on the practice squad — Trishton Jackson, N'Keal Harry, Thayer Thomas, and Lucky Jackson — Trishton Jackson seems like the most likely to be elevated to the gameday roster for added depth.
Nailor had played well as a punt gunner in the first two games, so special teams coordinator Matt Daniels will need to find someone to fill his role in that phase. Only Theo Jackson and Troy Dye have played more special teams snaps than Nailor's 35.
This is also means the Vikings are currently carrying four running backs on the 53, with Akers joining Alexander Mattison, Ty Chandler, and Myles Gaskin.
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