The Minnesota Vikings have promoted tight end Robert Tonyan from their practice squad to the active roster ahead of their upcoming game.
Tonyan, 30, missed out on a spot in the Vikings’ final 53-man roster following training camp, largely due to back spasms that sidelined him from practices and all three preseason games. Despite not making the initial cut, Tonyan chose to remain in Minnesota on the practice squad. Now, with his elevation to the active roster, he could see action in Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans. If active, Tonyan will slot in as the team’s No. 3 tight end, playing behind Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver.
Last season, Tonyan played for the Green Bay Packers, where he recorded 11 receptions on 17 targets, accumulating 112 yards over 17 regular-season games. Though his role was more limited, his experience and potential could provide the Vikings with valuable depth at the tight end position.
It is not guaranteed that Robert Tonyan will play on Sunday, even though the Vikings elevated him from the practice squad to the active roster. His activation increases the chances of him being available for the game, but his actual participation depends on factors such as game strategy, the health of other players, and the coaching staff’s decisions.
If active, Tonyan would likely serve as the Vikings’ No. 3 tight end behind Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver. Whether or not he sees playing time will depend on how the Vikings use their tight ends in specific packages during the game.
Robert Tonyan’s impact with the Vikings will likely depend on his health, role in the offensive scheme, and the specific game situations. Since he’s coming in as the No. 3 tight end, his immediate contributions might be limited, but he could still have several key impacts:
1. **Depth and Flexibility**: Tonyan adds valuable depth behind Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver. Having a reliable third tight end allows the Vikings more flexibility in two- or three-tight-end sets, providing versatility in blocking and passing plays.
2. **Red Zone Threat**: Tonyan has shown his ability to be a red-zone target in the past, especially during his 2020 season with Green Bay when he caught 11 touchdowns. If the Vikings choose to use him in goal-line situations, he could be a valuable asset in short-yardage and red-zone packages.
3. **Blocking and Special Teams**: As the No. 3 tight end, Tonyan might be used more for his blocking skills and on special teams. Even if he’s not a primary receiving target, his blocking could help support the run game or protect the quarterback in pass protection.
4. **Experience and Reliability**: With his years of experience, including playoff games with the Packers, Tonyan brings veteran leadership to the field. This could be helpful in critical moments, even if his on-field action is limited at first.
Overall, Tonyan’s immediate impact may be situational, but his presence offers Minnesota more options both offensively and in special teams, with the potential for increased contributions as the season progresses.