Minnesota Vikings linebacker Kyle Van Noy while playing for the Baltimore Ravens
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Kyle Van Noy while playing for the Baltimore Ravens
In less than 24 hours, the Minnesota Vikings will finally open the Kyler Murray era. And how better to do it than at home, against the Green Bay Packers. But let’s not forget that the offense is debuting a brand new wide-zone running scheme tomorrow too.
But while head coach Kevin O’Connell and his offense find their footing with Murray at the helm, the Vikings will lean on trusty DC Brian Flores and a defense that has consistently ranked in the top 10 league-wide since his arrival.
Minnesota Vikings make two practice squad elevations
On Saturday, both sides of the football got a little bit deeper when linebacker Kyle Van Noy and running back DeeJay Dallas were both activated from the Vikings’ 16-man practice squad.
The #Vikings have elevated RB DeeJay Dallas and OLB Kyle Van Noy to the active roster for tomorrow's game.
📰: https://t.co/oQKmgEjmhX pic.twitter.com/Zc1HX8T8lj
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 12, 2026
What to expect from Kyle Van Noy
Kyle Van Noy has been in the league for 13 seasons, after being drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, out of BYU. Van Noy has played for five different organizations, before arriving in Minnesota.
He earned two Super Bowl rings as a key member of the New England Patriots between 2016 and 2019. Most of the time, practice squad elevations spend a lot of time on the sideline and playing special teams. It’s possible Van Noy, who only signed a couple of weeks ago, has a bigger role on defense.
Wow. Joe Burrow is picked off by Kyle Van Noy, who then hands it off to Alohi Gilman — and he goes 95 yards for a Ravens TD.
Second straight week with a pick-6 for Burrow.pic.twitter.com/Qb0wMNEohz
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 14, 2025
Last season, Van Noy collected 2.5 sacks and 20 total tackles, despite playing in 15 games. However, in 2024 Van Noy posted 12.5 sacks and 41 total tackles, finishing as one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL that season.
What to expect from DeeJay Dallas
DeeJay Dallas doesn’t have quite the NFL pedigree that Kyle Van Noy does, and he will undoubtedly serve a much different role. It’d be surprising if the soon-to-be 28-year-old gets even one carry against the Packers.
More than likely, any reps he gets this weekend will play special teams.
THE FIRST DYNAMIC KICKOFF RETURN TOUCHDOWN.
DEEJAY DALLAS. 96 YARDS.
📺: #AZvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/COYfonnYxR
— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024
Nonetheless, DeeJay Dallas isn’t new to the NFL. He’s rushed 122 times during his 6-year NFL career, totaling 538 yards and 4 touchdowns, playing for four different teams (Seahawks, Cardinals, Panthers, Jaguars).
He’s also caught 64 passes during his career for 407 yards and 2 touchdowns. In other words, if the Minnesota Vikings need to turn to DeeJay Dallas for one reason or another, he should be able to handle it.