It’s been four years since Trishton Jackson first made waves in his debut training camp with the Los Angeles Rams, earning a spot on their final 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie. Typically, undrafted players who manage to make an NFL roster end up as special teamers, journeymen, practice squad members, or role players. While some, like Kurt Warner, become standout stars, most success stories are short-lived.
Trishton Jackson could be an exceptional case: an undrafted player who has waited four years to make a team’s roster again and is now on the verge of starting for the Minnesota Vikings. He has been competing fiercely for the number three receiver spot and could be poised to step into a more prominent role if the Vikings need a boost on offense.
Trishton Jackson preseason highlights!
He scored more TDs (3) than any other player this preseason, and he caught 8 passes for 154 yards, which was tied for 4th in the NFL.
Really excited for the impact he can make this year on Sundays. He's improved greatly as a player. pic.twitter.com/yMHbBVe29d
— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 28, 2024
Jackson, who didn’t see any game action with the Rams in 2020 and was waived during final cuts in 2021, stood out in the preseason with three touchdowns, 100 yards in the first game, and a third-place finish in overall receiving yards. However, preseason stats often don’t hold much weight.
The crucial point is that the Vikings signed Jackson to their practice squad in 2021, and it’s a coincidence that Kevin O’Connell, who was the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2020, was hired as the Vikings’ head coach in 2022.
Despite spending three years in Minnesota, Jackson has only played in seven games and caught two passes for nine yards. He’s mainly been on the practice squad, but this period hasn’t been without value. If the Vikings face a receiver injury, they’re unlikely to turn to Trent Sherfield or another former Rams receiver like Brandon Powell to fill the gap, potentially giving Jackson a chance to step up.
Depending on the specific positional needs—whether at X, Y, or Z receiver—Kevin O’Connell may have various options. However, Trishton Jackson has persevered since his impressive 2020 preseason with the Rams and is now on the brink of securing a substantial role in the Vikings’ offense if they need an additional receiver.
Despite being waived or released by the Vikings four times since joining the team, Jackson has remained determined and hasn’t moved to another squad. He has made the most of the NFL’s practice squad rules, patiently waiting for his opportunity, even as the league’s receiver pool constantly refreshes with younger, often cheaper talent.
Jackson isn’t focused on the competition behind him but rather on the players in front of him. Jalen Nailor, a 2022 sixth-round pick, isn’t the same as stars like Justin Jefferson or Jordan Addison. Nailor is only a year younger than Jackson and had minimal playing time last season. It would only take a slight opportunity for Jackson to make an impact on Sundays in O’Connell’s offense, even if it means catching passes from Sam Darnold. And if things progress, Lance McCutcheon might also get a chance to catch passes from Darnold.
