Oliver won't return to Sunday's game against the Packers due to an ankle injury.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to his exit in the third quarter, Oliver had two catches (on two targets) for 29 yards, which is a bit of a disappointment considering he was filling in for inactive No. 1 TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder). Oliver will finish the 2025 campaign with a 15-160-4 on 19 targets in 15 regular-season games. He's under contract with the Vikings in 2026.

Oliver is set to operate as the Vikings' starting tight end during Sunday's season finale against the Packers with T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) ruled out for Week 18, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Oliver played 93 percent of offensive snaps during Minnesota's win over the Lions in Week 17 with Hockenson sidelined, though he was unable to rack up much production in that contest with fill-in quarterback Max Brosmer being limited to 51 passing yards. With J.J. McCarthy (hand) having been cleared to return to the starting lineup this weekend and the Packers expected to rest multiple key starters, Oliver will have a solid chance to close out the 2025 campaign on a positive note. While predominantly a blocker, Oliver has logged a career-high four touchdowns across 14 regular-season appearances in 2025, and he figures to be one of McCarthy's top targets in the red zone Week 18.

Oliver brought in one of two targets for eight yards during Thursday's 23-10 win over Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Oliver got the chance to start Christmas Day with T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) inactive, but that didn't result in him drawing many opportunities due to Thursday's unorthodox game script. Max Brosmer drew the start with J.J. McCarthy (hand) sidelined and only piled up 51 passing yards while the Vikings defense paved the way to a victory. If Hockenson remains sidelined Week 18 versus the Packers but McCarthy manages to retake the field and revitalize Minnesota's passing offense, Oliver will carry limited fantasy value in deeper formats.

Oliver caught two of three targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 16-13 win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Oliver's three targets Sunday matched a season high set in Week 5. The veteran tight end played 32 of the Vikings' 61 offensive snaps, while starter T.J. Hockenson was on the field for 46 snaps. In 13 appearances this season, Oliver has recorded just 12 catches for 123 yards and four touchdowns. Though his touchdown mark is a career high for the San Jose State product, he hasn't been involved enough to be trusted as a fantasy asset behind Hockenson. Oliver remains far off the fantasy radar heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Lions.

Oliver recorded an 18-yard catch on his lone target in Sunday's 34-26 win over the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

After making a splash in the Vikings' 31-0 win over the Commanders in Week 14 with a pair of touchdown grabs, Oliver was held quiet Sunday, despite Minnesota clearing the 30-point threshold once again. Even with top tight end T.J. Hockenson available, Oliver continued to see ample playing time, as he was on the field for 34 of the Vikings' 55 snaps on offense. Even if that playing-time trend holds through the Vikings' final three games of the season, Oliver will remain a touchdown-dependent fantasy option at tight end with limited appeal.

Oliver caught both of his targets for 24 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 31-0 victory over Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Oliver came into Sunday with one or zero targets in nine of his 10 games this season, so the fact that he got two balls thrown his way was out of the ordinary in itself. Not only did Oliver catch both of those targets, he scored on each one, reeling in an 18-yard TD in the first quarter and a six-yard score in the third. On the season, four of Oliver's nine catches have gone for a TD, making him about as extreme of a TD-dependent fantasy option as it gets.

Oliver (foot) does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Bears, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

EDGE Analysis

Oliver logged a full practice Friday, and his lack of an injury tag means he will return Sunday from a two-game absence due to a foot injury. He'll slot back into the TE2 spot behind T.J. Hockenson, which means less snaps on offense will be available for Ben Yurosek and Ben Sims. Oliver has caught five passes (on seven targets) for 61 yards and two touchdowns across seven regular-season games.

Oliver (foot) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Oliver was unable to practice over the past two weeks due to a foot injury, and a second consecutive limited practice Thursday indicates that he is progressing well in his recovery. A third limited practice or an upgrade to full participation Friday would bode well for Oliver's availability in Sunday's divisional clash with the Bears.

Oliver (foot) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

A foot injury prevented Oliver from practicing over the past two weeks and caused him to be sidelined for Weeks 9 and 10. His ability to practice in at least a limited capacity indicates that he is progressing in his recover, and head coach Kevin O'Connell relayed to reporters Monday that he expects Oliver to be available for Sunday's NFC North clash against the Bears, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Oliver's return would mean less rotational snaps at tight end would be available for Ben Yurosek and Ben Sims.

Coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that he expects Oliver (foot) to return to practice this week and play Sunday against the Bears on Sunday, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Oliver missed the previous two games with a sprained foot but is closing in on a return to action. The veteran tight end is mainly used as a blocker by the Vikings, as he's only secured five catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns this season.