Longtime Viking Appears to Be Back
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) handed the ball to fullback C.J. Ham (30) Oct 2, 2022, in London, United Kingdom, during first-quarter action of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The play unfolded directly over the NFL shield at midfield, providing a striking visual as Minnesota showcased its ground game on the international stage. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham, the team’s second-longest-tenured player, missed the first four games of the regular season. But per the latest injury report, Ham appears to be back, which is welcome news for a team reeling from injuries.
Amid a lengthy list of injury woes for the Minnesota Vikings, C.J. Ham appears to be ready to return to the lineup as early as this week.
Minnesota will make an official designation on Ham later this week, but all signs point to his return as early as Sunday in London.
The Return of Vikings FB C.J. Ham Is Near
A sight for sore eyes on the Vikings’ lengthy injury report.
On Sep 19, 2021, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Minnesota fullback C. Ham prepared before kickoff against the Arizona Cardinals. The longtime veteran has been a key piece of Minnesota’s offense, providing blocking, short-yardage reliability, and leadership. His presence in pregame routines has reflected both consistency and importance across multiple seasons with the Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports.
Fullback C.J. Ham Logs Full Practice
And just like that, Ham is eligible to return. Vikings.com‘s Lindsey Young wrote Wednesday, “The Vikings opened C.J. Ham and Tyler Batty’s 21-day practice window Wednesday, the team announced. Ham and Batty started the season on Injured Reserve/Designated to Return due to respective knee injuries.”
“The fullback and outside linebacker traveled with the Vikings for their back-to-back International Series games against the Steelers and Browns. The Vikings departed Dublin Monday following their loss to Pittsburgh and arrived in London to prepare for a matchup with Cleveland. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. (CT) Sunday.”
Even if Ham isn’t ready for this weekend against the Browns, his return is imminent.
21-Day Return Window Officially Opened
The window opening means Minnesota has three weeks to formally activate Ham — and Batty — for the 53-man roster while dropping a player or two to make room.
Kevin O’Connell said about the return of Ham and Batty, “Both of those guys should have their windows opened and start working their way toward returning. When their return would be, I don’t know. It could be as early as this weekend. It could be at any point in time during that 21 days.”
Ham also logged the aforementioned full practice in London, usually an indicator that a player will be in the lineup for the upcoming game. Otherwise, Ham would’ve been limited or not practiced at all.
‘About Time’ on Good News via Injury
The last month has contained just dreadful injury news for the purple team. In fact, so many players have missed games, generally been hobbled, or hit injured reserve that it’s difficult to keep up. To date, injuries have affected these notable players:
Blake Cashman
Christian Darrisaw
Aaron Jones
Donovan Jackson
Ryan Kelly
Rondale Moore
J.J. McCarthy
Brian O’Neill
Jeff Okudah
Andrew Van Ginkel
Harrison Smith
C.J. Ham
And that doesn’t even account for reserve players.
Dec 8, 2019, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota fullback C. Ham celebrated alongside defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson following a win over the Detroit Lions. The duo shared the moment with the home crowd, embodying the team’s emotional energy. Ham’s reliability and Johnson’s defensive contributions highlighted the victory as fans roared in approval. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
In a normal season, the fullback returning to the lineup might be a footnote, but not in 2025.
Help with Pass Protection
Concurrently, Ham can help with Minnesota’s pass protection as immediately as this Sunday if the coaching and training staff green-light his return.
Minnesota ranks dead last in sacks allowed, even after formulating an extensive offensive line plan during the offseason. This week, it will trot out a makeshift offensive line that is likely to feature Michael Jurgens or Joe Huber instead of Ryan Kelly, Justin Skule instead of Brian O’Neill, and Blake Brandel instead of Donovan Jackson.
While Ham isn’t an offensive lineman, his pass protection will be used from the jump if he is cleared to play.
More Ham Notes
The Viking Age‘s Brad Berreman noted on Ham this week: “Ham landed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2017, which makes him the second-longest tenured player on the team.”
“He has kept the fullback position alive in the Vikings’ offense (262 snaps last season), while being proficient with the touches he gets, and he has been a core special teamer since he arrived. The games he has missed to start his season were the first games he has missed since the 2020 season.”
On paper, the 2025 season is Ham’s final in Minnesota. He’ll need a new contract next offseason, or he’ll be in line to test free agency for the first time.
