Josh Oliver was injured yesterday, and he may not return in 2026. The veteran tight end was feared to have suffered a biceps tear in the aftermath of yesterday’s win, as noted by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

An MRI took place on Monday. It confirmed the team’s initial fears, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Oliver will undergo surgery soon as a result. An indefinite absence and a move to injured reserve will now be in store. Oliver faces the strong possibility of being sidelined for the remainder of the year.

Oliver has been with the Vikings since the 2023 campaign, where he’s emerged as a key member of the offense. His counting stats don’t jump off the page; in 50 games with the franchise, Oliver has only hauled in 62 catches for 677 yards and nine touchdowns. This includes a 2025 campaign where he was limited to only 15 receptions.

However, he’s made a name for himself thanks to his blocking prowess, especially in the running game. Pro Football Focus has generally given him positional-leading run-blocking grades throughout his Minnesota tenure, and that skill earned him a three-year, $23.25MM extension with the franchise in 2025.

T.J. Hockenson will continue to lead the depth chart moving forward, but the Vikings will be looking for someone to soak up Oliver’s snaps. 2025 sixth-round pick Gavin Bartholomew is the only other TE on the active roster, and the organization will likely turn to taxi squad tight end Cam Grandy for the time being.

Ben Levine contributed to this report.