NFL Roster Moves Ahead of Week 5: Vikings and Jets Adjust for Injuries

The Minnesota Vikings made significant roster adjustments on October 4, 2025, in preparation for their Week 5 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Starting center Ryan Kelly was placed on injured reserve due to two concussions, which will sideline him for at least four games. Kelly, who signed a two-year, $18 million contract with the Vikings in the offseason, had previously missed the team's Week 3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals due to a concussion. In his absence, the Vikings signed undrafted free agent Vershon Lee to their 53-man roster, while Blake Brandel, who has never played center, is expected to start.

HeavyVikings' wave of Saturday roster moves includes the return of C.J. HamJets release receiver before Cowboys matchupReuters

To bolster their offensive line, the Vikings also elevated Henry Byrd from the practice squad. Additionally, the team activated Pro Bowl fullback C.J. Ham from injured reserve, who had been sidelined with a knee injury. Ham's return is anticipated to enhance the Vikings' run game, which has been affected by injuries to other key players, including left guard Donovan Jackson and right tackle Brian O’Neill.

Vikings' wave of Saturday roster moves includes the return of C.J. Ham

The Vikings also called up running back Cam Akers from the practice squad to provide depth in the backfield, as starting tailback Aaron Jones remains on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Akers, a Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams, is on his third stint with the team and must be signed to the active roster if he is to play again this season.

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In a parallel move, the New York Jets announced the release of wide receiver Isaiah Williams following his underwhelming performance in a 27-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Williams was responsible for two critical errors, including a fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half, which led to a Dolphins touchdown. This decision marks the second roster change by head coach Aaron Glenn in a month, as he previously waived return specialist Xavier Gipson for similar issues.

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To fill the vacancy left by Williams, the Jets signed linebacker Mykal Walker from their practice squad and elevated defensive back Dean Clark and running back/return specialist Avery Williams for their upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys. The Jets are still seeking their first win of the season, currently sitting at 0-4.

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Both teams face challenges due to injuries as they prepare for their respective matchups. The Vikings will be without key offensive linemen and their starting center, while the Jets continue to struggle with special teams errors and a lack of offensive production. The Cowboys, who will face the Jets, are also dealing with injuries, including placing safety Malik Hooker on injured reserve due to a toe injury.

Cowboys place safety Malik Hooker on IR with toe injury

The Vikings expressed optimism about the return of C.J. Ham, highlighting his dual role as a blocker and a red zone option. Meanwhile, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn emphasized the need for accountability and discipline within the team, stating, “You will not be on the field with this team if you’re gonna cause us to lose games.”

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• “I do have a lot to prove and, Lord willing, I will.” — Cam Akers, Vikings Running Back

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• “The one thing to me that turned this game is man, we can’t have turnovers, can’t do it,” — Aaron Glenn, Jets Head Coach

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These roster moves reflect the ongoing adjustments teams must make in response to injuries and performance issues as the NFL season progresses.

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