Vikings Safety Battle Heats Up; Rookie Jakobe Thomas Returns

Vikings rookie Jakobe Thomas is dealing with a back injury. GettyJacob Thomas is working with the first-team defense. Getty(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) GettyMinnesota Vikings third-round rookie safety Jakobe Thomas made a return to practice Monday, flying around with the first-team defense alongside undrafted free agent Jacob Thomas, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic. “Jakobe Thomas was back and flying around, his first extensive practice in a couple of weeks,” – Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Safety Position Battle Starting To Heat Up With Safety Theo Jackson nowhere to be seen today at practice, both Jacob and Jakobe Thomas got work with the number 1 defense. The return of Jakobe, and the rise of Jacob are making the depth battle start to heat up.

GettyEAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 15: Jacob Thomas #39 of the Minnesota Vikings intercepts a pass intended for Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the New York Giants during the pre-season game at MetLife Stadium on August 15, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

The former Miami safety had been sitting out due to back stiffness for the last two weeks. He missed crucial reps in joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens, including both preseason games. His injury created an opportunity for the other Thomas, Jacob Thomas. Confusing, but there are actually THREE with the same last name on their jersey playing safety for the Vikings. Jakobe Thomas, Jacob Thomas, and Tavierre Thomas. Jacob Thomas, a UDFA out of James Madison, has absolutely made the most of the opportunity. Jacob Thomas has had an interception in the Giants game, and almost had another in the game with the Ravens Saturday. He has been getting reps with the number one defense in joint practices and holding his own. Jakobe’s return to practice is a shot in the arm for the defense that isn’t just short Theo Jackson, but lost Jamal Adams in the Giants game for the season. Getting the young rookie back and getting him reps is important to a squad that has questions at that position. It is safe to say that we should hopefully see Jakobe Thomas get some important reps Friday vs. the Denver Broncos. Projecting the Safeties on the 53-Man Roster Roster decisions must be finalized by Aug. 30, and the Vikings could be leaning toward keeping six safeties on the roster. Due to the (3) safety looks defensive coordinator Brian Flores likes to run, keeping six doesn’t sound too unrealistic. There is also a special teams angle coupled with the surprise of Jacob Thomas becoming hard to cut. Projected in:

• Josh Metellus – Locked-in starter and defensive leader.
• Jay Ward – Versatile veteran who may be looked at filling the Harrison Smith role.
• Theo Jackson – Veteran depth who started stretches last season, but was replaced by Ward during the season.
• Jakobe Thomas – Third-round pick whose draft status and physical tools make him a lock now that he is healthy.
• Jacob Thomas – He has to be the longshot story of camp. An UDFA with a knack for being around the ball, and I have him making this squad.
• Tavierre Thomas – Special Teams leader and was largely why he was on the 53-man roster last year. Without CJ Ham, the 3rd Thomas is the clear leader and a top gunner in the league.

Is This Safety Group Deep Enough? I actually think with the emergence of Jacob Thomas and the promise of Jakobe Thomas, the depth may be ok.

GettyJay Ward #24 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 30, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Jay Ward has really stepped up his play with what we have seen in practice and is the clear #2 Safety along with Josh Metellus. The hard-hit blitz he had on Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in the first preseason game was eye-opening. Harrison Smith was known as the “Hitman,” and if Ward can make hits as he did on Dart, it will make Smith smile. It could still happen that Harrison decides to come back for one last ride if Minnesota shows they are competitive. I don’t have a crystal ball, but this safety group does have some young blood now that has potential. Great news for this secondary and Brian Flores. For fans out there, it is a relief to see a position that was once a major concern now perhaps be one of a bright future.

Like HEAVY's content?Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post Vikings Safety Battle Heats Up; Rookie Jakobe Thomas Returns appeared first on HEAVY.