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Rookie Punter Could Still Land Back with MN Vikings

Oscar Chapman

Credit: Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On Monday the Minnesota Vikings ended their punter competition. They sent waiver undrafted rookie Oscar Chapman and have committed to Ryan Wright for the immediate future.

While Wright has not done a great job substantiating his claim as Minnesota’s punter, he continues to hang on. It’s possible though that Chapman sticks around the team and winds up breathing down Wright’s neck.

Oscar Chapman still has a path to Minnesota Vikings practice squad

After kicking for five years with the Auburn Tigers, Australian Oscar Chapman signed with the Minnesota Vikings in hope of making the 53-man roster. That didn’t happen out of the preseason, but the Star Tribune’s Emily Leiker outlines a path forward.

As long as Chapman clears waivers and is not signed by another team, the Vikings are likely to add him to the practice squad, where he would have a designated spot as a part of the International Player Pathway program.

Star Tribune

Going into Friday’s preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, Oscar Chapman seemed to still be in the running for the punter role. He didn’t punt during the game and instead just had holder duties.

Unfortunately he bobbled a snap for a kick that Reichard ultimately missed. That all but sealed his fate and had Minnesota sending him through waivers.

The hold by Oscar Chapman 😬 pic.twitter.com/lr0TZSXZlD

— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) August 23, 2025

There doesn’t appear to be much concern about whether Chapman can punt. He has a big leg and interesting style that makes it difficult for returners to settle under. In order to succeed with Minnesota though, he has to develop rapport and trust with the kicking unit.

Related: Minnesota Vikings End Special Teams Competition

Should he clear waivers, Chapman would likely continue to work with Matt Daniels, Will Reichard, and the rest of the Vikings special teams unit. Stashed on the practice squad, and not taking up a spot given his international player exemption, he’d then be an option if Wright struggles or gets hurt.

After Tuesday’s 53-man roster cut down, we’ll have a much more clear indication if Chapman is headed for another active roster or if Minnesota gets to keep him around.

Mentioned in this article: Oscar Chapman More About:Minnesota Vikings

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