16-player developmental roster features cornerback Fabian Moreau’s return and Italian offensive lineman Max Pircher through the International Player Pathway
Eagan, MN — The Minnesota Vikings have finalized their 2025 practice squad with a strategic 16-player roster that balances veteran leadership, promising rookies, and international development through the NFL’s International Player Pathway program. The squad formation came after a busy day of roster moves that included the blockbuster trade to reacquire beloved wide receiver Adam Thielen from the Carolina Panthers.
Unique Roster Choreography
The most unusual move of the day involved wide receiver Tim Jones, who was terminated from his contract only to be immediately re-signed to the practice squad hours later. This roster shuffle occurred directly after Minnesota’s trade for Thielen, demonstrating the fluid nature of NFL roster construction and the Vikings’ commitment to retaining promising talent even when numbers don’t allow for active roster spots.
Jones brings legitimate NFL experience to the practice squad, having appeared in 51 games with three starts for Jacksonville from 2022-24, recording 17 career receptions for 154 yards. His retention signals the Vikings’ belief in his potential despite the immediate roster crunch.
Veteran Leadership Returns
The marquee practice squad addition is cornerback Fabian Moreau, who returns to Minnesota for his second stint after spending the 2025 preseason with the San Francisco 49ers. The 31-year-old Fort Lauderdale native brings extensive NFL experience with 113 regular-season games and 56 starts across eight seasons.
Moreau’s connection to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell runs deep, as the two worked together in Washington from 2017-2019 when O’Connell served as quarterback coach and offensive coordinator. This familiarity with O’Connell’s system and leadership style makes Moreau an invaluable practice squad addition.
His most productive season came in 2022 with the New York Giants, where he started 11 games and recorded a career-high 66 tackles while helping the team reach the postseason. Throughout his career, he’s accumulated 305 total tackles, seven interceptions, and 43 passes defensed.
International Pathway Success Story
Perhaps the most compelling story belongs to Max Pircher, a 6-foot-7, 314-pound offensive tackle from Bressanone, Italy, who joins through the NFL International Player Pathway program. The 25-year-old represents the global expansion of American football, having spent time on practice squads with the Los Angeles Rams (2021-22), Detroit Lions (2023), Seattle Seahawks (2024), and Washington Commanders (2025).
Pircher’s journey intersected with O’Connell during the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI championship season when O’Connell served as offensive coordinator, adding another layer of familiarity to his Minnesota arrival. His addition allows the Vikings to carry a 17th practice squad player under IPP rules.
Breakout Preseason Performers
Several practice squad members distinguished themselves during the preseason, creating compelling development stories:
Kahlef Hailassie experienced one of the most interesting preseasons after joining Minnesota as a cornerback but transitioning to safety just before exhibition games. The position switch paid immediate dividends as he recorded two interceptions against the Texans in the preseason opener. The 24-year-old brings NFL experience with 10 regular-season games for Cleveland (2023-24).
Jeshaun Jones led all Vikings receivers with 100 yards during the preseason, showcasing the development that earned him practice squad retention after joining as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Jonathan Harris capped his preseason with a sack in the Vikings’ final exhibition game against Tennessee. The Illinois native has appeared in 40 NFL games since 2019 with Chicago, Denver, and Carolina, recording career-best numbers in 2023 with Denver (43 tackles, four tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, one sack).
Positional Depth and Development
The practice squad construction reveals Minnesota’s strategic approach to maintaining depth across all position groups:
Wide Receivers (4): Dontae Fleming (Tulane rookie with 3 catches for 71 yards in preseason), Lucky Jackson (two-year practice squad veteran who appeared in three games in 2023), Jeshaun Jones (preseason leading receiver), and Tim Jones (veteran with NFL starting experience).
Tight Ends (2): Veteran Nick Vannett brings 10 years of NFL experience and system familiarity, while rookie Bryson Nesbit from North Carolina represents developmental potential.
Offensive Line (3): Henry Byrd (Princeton graduate working at guard and tackle, yet to appear in NFL game), Vershon Lee (versatile interior lineman), and Pircher (international pathway tackle).
Defensive Players (6): The group includes cornerbacks Moreau and rookie Zemaiah Vaughn (Utah), safeties Hailassie and K’Von Wallace (added August 28), defensive linemen Harris and Taki Taimani (Oregon), and outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy (UCLA).
Running Back (1): Xazavian Valladay from Arizona State provides backfield depth.
Long-Term Development Stories
Several players represent multi-year development projects that showcase the Vikings’ patience with talent cultivation:
Henry Byrd first joined Minnesota’s practice squad in December 2023, spent the 2024 offseason with the team, and overcame a practice squad injury to return this season. The 26-year-old Princeton graduate has worked at both guard and tackle positions.
Lucky Jackson has been part of the Vikings’ practice squads for two seasons since joining in May 2023, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to player development even when immediate results aren’t apparent.
Strategic Roster Management
The practice squad formation reflects modern NFL roster construction principles, balancing immediate needs with long-term development. The retention of players like Vannett, who was recently released from the 53-man roster, maintains system continuity while providing veteran mentorship for younger players.
The emphasis on wide receiver depth (four practice squad receivers) addresses both the Adam Thielen integration and Jordan Addison’s three-game suspension to start the season. This depth provides multiple elevation options as the season progresses.
International Program Impact
Pircher’s inclusion highlights the NFL’s continued commitment to globalizing the sport through the International Player Pathway program. Established in 2017, the IPP aims to provide elite international athletes opportunities to earn NFL roster spots while increasing global representation.
For Pircher, joining the Vikings represents another step in his American football journey, bringing a European perspective and impressive physical attributes (6-7, 314 pounds) to an organization known for developing international talent.
Looking Forward
As the Vikings prepare for their 2025 season opener, this practice squad provides crucial depth and development opportunities. The blend of veteran experience from players like Moreau and Vannett, combined with young talent like Jones and Fleming, plus international flair from Pircher, creates a comprehensive developmental environment.
Practice squad players are eligible for weekly elevation to the active roster throughout the season, providing the Vikings with flexible options as they navigate a 17-game regular season and potential playoff run. The strategic construction of this group reflects an organization committed to both immediate competitiveness and long-term player development.
The diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets represented on this practice squad embody the modern NFL’s approach to talent development, where success comes from maximizing every roster spot and development opportunity available.
Vikings News:
- Adam Thielen Returns Home: Vikings Trade for Beloved Wide Receiver
- Minnesota Vikings Execute Major Roster Overhaul Ahead of 2025 Season
- Vikings Forge MIGHTY 53-Warrior Roster – A Saga Worthy of Valhalla!
- Vikings Place Key Contributors Ham and Batty on Injured Reserve
- Vikings Trade Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon to Colts for 2026 Sixth-Round Pick
- NFL Network Announces Star-Studded Broadcast Team for Historic Vikings-Steelers Dublin Showdown
“From practice squad dreams to NFL reality — Michelob Ultra celebrates the superior athletes who perfect their craft at every level. Whether you’re a veteran returning home or an international player chasing the American dream, superior dedication deserves superior taste. Superior light beer for superior commitment.”
“From Italian mountains to Minnesota practice fields, from veteran comebacks to rookie breakthroughs — when athletes need wings to soar at every level of their journey, Red Bull delivers the energy to chase greatness. Red Bull gives you wings to pursue your NFL dreams.”
“This comprehensive Minnesota Vikings practice squad coverage is brought to you by Bad Dawg Sports — your insider source for NFL roster construction and player development stories. From international pathways to veteran returns, from rookie breakthroughs to strategic depth building, we deliver the analysis that shapes professional football.
📧 Upgrade to our Premium Newsletter for exclusive NFL insights, detailed roster analysis, and behind-the-scenes coverage from credentialed journalists who understand the intricate business of professional football roster management. Sign Up Below Today!!!
Bad Dawg Sports LLC — Your source for global sports news and professional athletics coverage.
Discover more from Bad Dawg Sports - Global Sports Coverage & Analysis
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
