EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings made an announcement on Wednesday that tight end Nick Muse has returned to practice. This marks an important step in Muse’s recovery process as the team now has a 21-day window to evaluate him before deciding on his potential return to the active roster. Muse had been placed on the team’s short-term Injured Reserve list on September 18 after suffering what head coach Kevin O’Connell described as a “small fracture” in his hand.
The injury occurred during Minnesota’s Week 2 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, a game in which Muse played a key role in securing the win for the Vikings. Despite the injury, Muse remained in the game and showcased his resilience by successfully fielding an onside kick from the 49ers. His effort helped the Vikings transition to victory formation, ensuring that the team could close out the game.
Since being drafted by the Vikings in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Muse has played in 14 games. Though he has been primarily used on special teams, with 156 snaps, he has also seen some action on offense. His playing time has been limited to just five offensive snaps, but in the 2023 season finale against Detroit, he caught a 22-yard pass on his only career target.
Muse’s return to practice is a positive development for the Vikings as they continue their push through the 2024 season. Currently holding an 8-2 record, the Vikings are preparing for a key Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears (4-6), who will visit U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. The Vikings held a walk-through practice on Wednesday as part of their preparation for the game, with Muse’s return providing a potential boost to both the team’s special teams and tight end depth.
As the 2024 season progresses, Muse’s return could help the Vikings add more versatility to their roster, especially if his recovery allows him to rejoin the offense. However, the next few weeks will be critical in determining when, and if, he can contribute again at a meaningful level.
read more: https://www.vikings.com/news/nick-muse-tight-end-returns-to-practice-hand-injury