After being waived by the San Francisco 49ers and failing a physical with the Indianapolis Colts, Ambry Thomas has found a new team. The former third-round pick, who has spent the 2024 season on injured reserve, has signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, according to Adam Schefter.
Thomas was released from injured reserve by the 49ers on December 17, and the Colts claimed him off waivers shortly after. However, due to a forearm injury, he failed the Colts’ physical, leading them to reject his signing. His move to the Vikings now concludes the ongoing saga.
Though it appears Thomas passed the Vikings’ physical, questions remain about how his injury will affect him going forward. The fourth-year cornerback hasn’t played since Super Bowl LVIII.
Since being drafted out of Michigan, Thomas has struggled to find consistency in the NFL. In 2023, he impressed with 43 tackles and seven pass breakups in just 481 defensive snaps, but persistent injuries led to his release from the 49ers with less than a month left in the 2024 season.
Thomas was also expected to contribute on special teams, having been a kick returner in college, but injuries have limited him to just four career kick returns—during his rookie year in 2021—and no punt returns.
With only two regular-season games left, Thomas could still have a chance to contribute to the Vikings’ playoff push. Minnesota is tied with the Detroit Lions at 13-2, both teams fighting for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, with the Lions holding the tiebreaker. The Vikings and Lions will meet again, which could ultimately determine the top spot.
Thomas joins veterans Daniel Jones, Bobby McCain, and Calvin Munson on the Vikings’ practice squad. Should he be elevated to the active roster, he would join a cornerback group led by veterans Stephon Gilmore, Camryn Bynum, Shaquill Griffin, and Fabian Moreau. With NaJee Thompson and Mekhi Blackmon on injured reserve, there may be room for Thomas to provide depth.
