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By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
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Monday night's showdown at U.S. Bank Stadium features two 6-1 teams, with the Minnesota Vikings hosting the Buffalo Bills in primetime.
Both are among the NFL's best, but each is dealing with problems. Minnesota will be without quarterback Kyler Murray due to a hamstring injury, leaving Carson Wentz to start, and receiver Jauan Jennings is out with a calf injury. Buffalo, meanwhile, comes in with a strong record, but has also struggled against the pass, ranking 30th in passing yards allowed.
On Sunday, the Vikings made a surprising decision that could impact the game, as NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that Minnesota signed Odell Beckham Jr. to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. It clears the way for his Vikings debut Monday night.
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Beckham, who turned 34 on Nov. 5, signed with Minnesota's practice squad on Oct. 7, about a week after the Giants released him. He'd been targeted just once in three games with New York and fell out of a rotation that featured Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, and rookie Malachi Fields. He missed the entire 2025 season and played just nine games for Miami in 2024. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell knows him from their time together with the Rams.
The move signals that the Vikings want more help in a receiver room behind Justin Jefferson that hasn't produced much. With Jennings out, there's a clear path for targets, and Beckham's experience could help Wentz, who has said he wants to get Jefferson more involved. The Vikings haven't announced a corresponding move yet, but they'll need to open a roster spot.
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Expectations for Beckham should stay realistic. He's coming off a long layoff and a thin recent track record, and he may only be used in a limited role. Still, against a Bills defense that has struggled to contain opposing receivers, even a few key plays could matter for a Minnesota offense looking for a part.
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