The Minnesota Vikings’ 91-man roster features many new players, but not all of them will make the final team when the season begins.
Some players have a better chance than others, and it seems tight end Robert Tonyan, one of the Vikings’ recent additions, is making a strong impression.
According to Alec Lewis from The Athletic, the Vikings were “blown away” by Tonyan’s mid-May workout, where he seemed to be a favorite target for the quarterbacks during OTAs.
Tonyan, who joined the Vikings shortly after his workout, previously played for the Chicago Bears last season after five years with the Green Bay Packers. His standout seasons were in 2020 and 2022, where he recorded 586 and 470 yards respectively and tied for the NFL lead with 11 touchdown receptions.
However, his time with the Bears was less productive; he played all 17 games but was targeted only 17 times, catching 11 passes for 112 yards and participating in just 28% of the offensive snaps.
Tonyan now seeks redemption against the Bears, describing his Chicago tenure as a “tough situation” where his snaps drastically reduced from 60 to 10.
Reports of Tonyan’s strong summer performance are supported by Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune, who noted that Tonyan received extra reps during Vikings minicamp due to T.J. Hockenson’s injury-related absence.
According to @BenGoessling, #Vikings TE Robert Tonyan stood out during the team’s minicamp the last 3 days and showed a strong connection with QB J.J. McCarthy 🔥
“With Hockenson still rehabbing his knee injury, Tonyan got plenty of work behind Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt… pic.twitter.com/Q9km3CfIfY
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) June 7, 2024
If Robert Tonyan continues to impress, he could secure not only a roster spot but also a significant role in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. With T.J. Hockenson potentially sidelined for up to six games or more due to ACL recovery, Tonyan might become a key pass-catching tight end for the Vikings.
Although the coaching staff values Josh Oliver for his blocking skills, Tonyan fits the Hockenson mold more closely, making him an ideal short-term replacement in the passing game.
Last year, the Vikings carried four tight ends on the roster, and the need for depth increases without Hockenson. Tonyan could emerge as one of the best options among Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse, N’Keal Harry, Trey Knox, and Sammis Reyes. His strong start certainly positions him well for such a role.
