Analysis

Oliver set career highs in receiving yards and touchdowns while matching his career-best 2023 totals exactly in targets and receptions. He caught his only target for five yards in Minnesota's playoff loss to the Rams. Oliver's blocking prowess earned him a steady role, and he played at least 46 percent of offensive snaps in all 15 regular-season appearances -- even after top tight end T.J. Hockenson returned from a knee injury in Week 9. Oliver remains under contract with the Vikings in 2025, albeit at an inflated $9.42 million cap hit.

Analysis

Oliver returned after missing two games due to an ankle injury. He played on 30 of the offense's 60 snaps, so he was back to his usual workload. He had an uptick in receptions (12 in three games) before the injury, but he may not get as much opportunity over the final four regular-season games with T.J. Hockenson back to full speed after returning from a torn ACL.

Analysis

Oliver wasn't able to practice in any capacity the past two weeks while missing both of the Vikings' games due to a sprained ankle and a wrist injury, but the tight end's ability to handle every rep Wednesday in his return to the field indicates he's more or less back to 100 percent. Prior to the recent absence, he recorded multiple catches in four straight contests on his way to a cumulative 14-174-2 line on 16 targets during that stretch. That said, with T.J. Hockenson slowly but surely increasing his snap share since completing his recovery from a torn ACL and making his season debut Week 9, Oliver may see his role decrease in this Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Analysis

Oliver will take part in his first practice since injuring his ankle Nov. 17. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that he expected Oliver to be available for Sunday's game against the Falcons, but the Vikings will wait and see how Oliver fares during the week of practice before deciding on his status. In Oliver's absence the past two games, T.J. Hockenson has seen an enhanced role, playing 68 and 64 percent of the offensive snaps in those two contests while logging a 10-142-0 receiving line on 15 targets. Oliver's return would likely be a negative development for Hockenson.

Analysis

Oliver has missed the Vikings' past two games due to a left ankle sprain. In Oliver's absence, T.J. Hockenson has seen elevated snap rates of 68 and 64 percent after playing 48 percent or less of the snaps in his first three games back from the reserve/PUP list. It's unclear what Oliver's return will do to Hockenson's snap share, if anything. In his two games without Oliver, Hockenson has totaled a 10-142-0 line on 15 targets. Oliver's the better blocker of the duo.

Analysis

He hasn't practiced since suffering the ankle injury Week 11 and now is confirmed to be out for a second straight game. T.J. Hockenson noticed large increases in snap and route share with Oliver out last week, taking advantage to the tune of a 7-114-0 receiving line on nine targets.

Analysis

Oliver was also estimated as a DNP on Wednesday. The tight end hasn't practiced since spraining his ankle Week 11 against Tennessee and missed last Sunday's game against the Bears. Johnny Mundt figures to again get increased offensive snaps this Sunday versus Arizona if Oliver is unable to suit up.

Analysis

Oliver sat out last Sunday's overtime win over the Bears, allowing T.J. Hockenson to see a spiked snap rate. After playing 48 percent of the offensive snaps or less in each of his first three games of action, Hockenson logged 68 percent of the plays versus Chicago, turning in a 7-114-0 receiving line on nine targets. Oliver's potential absence in Week 13 against the Cardinals would be a boon to Hockenson's fantasy stock.

Analysis

Oliver will sit out a game for the first time this season. T.J. Hockenson is expected to expand his role in his fourth game back from a torn ACL, while Johnny Mundt should see additional snaps in a depth role. Oliver's next chance to suit up will be Sunday, Dec. 1 against the Cardinals.