Vikings Reveal Injury Update on Rookie

The Minnesota Vikings made a surprising pick at No. 18, taking Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks.

Banks could have been a top 10 pick had he not suffered a broken foot during his final season with the Gators. Banks suffered a setback during the scouting combine and had to have his second surgery to repair his foot. Many mock draft boards had Banks falling to Day 2, but the Vikings decided to take a chance on a phenomenal talent.

Per Kevin Seifert of ESPN, Banks started working on the Vikings’ rehab field during mandatory minicamp.

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Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell believes Banks will be available to practice when training camp opens in July. The Vikings plan to start the defensive tackle in Week 1 if his rehab goes as planned.

While Banks has not physically been on the field during OTAs, the coaching staff has been keeping his mind in the game. The Vikings are impressed with what he’s been able to learn while being sidelined.

“The feedback I’m getting from (assistant) coaches … has been phenomenal,” O’Connell said, “as far as his ability to hear information, retain it and apply it. There’s a lot of different ways we can be activating Caleb’s brain and the above-the-neck challenge of learning (defensive coordinator Brian Flores’) intricate system. I’m excited about where he’s at.”

Given his circumstances before the draft in April, that’s a promising update for Banks this spring.

In 2024, Banks had an incredible season, recording 21 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. The six-foot-six, 327-pound athlete should be a force as a defensive tackle in Flores’ system.

Of course, it remains to be seen if and when he can return to practice when training camp starts. For Banks to be ready to play in Week 1, the Vikings would ideally want him as a full participant when the pads come on.

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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 6:51 PM.