What We Know About the Vikings' Safety Battle After Ravens Joint Practices

With Harrison Smith still enjoying life from a golf course somewhere and the unfortunate injury to Jamal Adams, the Vikings' situation at safety is as nebulous as ever.

Adams was looking the part after just a few weeks, until his injury made an already-thin position even thinner. Veterans Jay Ward and Theo Jackson, along with third-round pick Jakobe Thomas, all figure to be in the mix, but poor play and injuries have kept any of them from rising to the top. Now, the Vikings are giving first-team reps to undrafted rookie Jacob Thomas, which is either a lucky break or a terrifying reflection of the depth.

The Vikings have just a few short weeks to figure things out on the back end of the defense, and the picture may finally be starting to take shape. Here's what we know about the team's safety situation so far.

Vikings UDFA Jacob Thomas is making a strong case to earn a roster spot

Thomas went undrafted out of James Madison, but has burst onto the scene after a strong showing against the Giants. He snagged a leaping interception in the fourth quarter and immediately turned his impressive debut into first-team reps at camp in the following days. With the other rookie Thomas sidelined due to back stiffness, and Jackson exiting practice this week with a lower-body injury, the runway was cleared for the UDFA to make his mark.

Safety Theo Jackson left practice today with medical staff and did not return. Appeared to be a lower body issue.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) August 20, 2026

Ideally, Thomas is earning a promotion regardless of the injuries, but it's clear that the Vikings think they've found something in the rookie. Thomas held his own against two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson this week during joint practice with the Ravens, and his meteoric rise might be just what the doctor ordered.

Defensive coordinator and noted mad scientist Brian Flores has often utilized multiple safeties in different ways through the years, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see all of these guys hit the field at some point.

Rest of the Vikings' safety room remains a work in progress

Ward is still likely the favorite to see most of the work opposite Metellus after starting for much of the second half of 2025. After dealing with a concussion earlier in the month, he loudly announced his return by slamming Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart into another dimension during the Vikings' first preseason contest.

A big hit from Jay Ward to get the sack on Jaxson Dart 😳

(Via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/3jw4uaoLt3
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) August 15, 2026

Jackson, on the other hand, has been relatively quiet this camp, and this most recent injury won't help his cause. After losing the starting role to Ward a season ago, Jackson faces a steep climb to regain some favor in this defense. Still, Flores's insistence on multiple safety looks might be Jackson's saving grace, and his roster spot likely isn't in danger.

Third-rounder and fellow owner of the same last name, ex-Miami (FL) Hurricane Jakobe Thomas hasn't had much opportunity to showcase his skills this camp due to a lingering back issue. He returned to the field for the joint practice against the Ravens, but he still isn't participating in team drills yet.

If Smith opts to stay on the couch for 2026, the Vikings may employ a rotating door at safety to replace him. But the steadiness of Ward and the breakout from Jacob Thomas may be enough to keep this room from collapsing in his absence.

Get Vikings On SI straight to your inbox: sign up for our free newsletter here.

Add us as a preferred source on Google