What happened: Blake Cashman paces the NFL with 38 defensive stops this season, according to Pro Football Focus charting. Rookies Jacob Rodriguez and Arvell Reese follow in second and third with 35 and 33 stops, respectively. Zack Baun, Quincy Williams, and Alex Singleton are tied for fourth place with 32 stops each.
Why it matters: Cashman's league-leading total comes after he entered concussion protocol on Wednesday, creating uncertainty for Minnesota's defense. The leaderboard also highlights an immediate impact from first-year linebackers, with Rodriguez and Reese both securing high-volume defensive roles.
By the numbers: In 2026 through eight games, Cashman has recorded 76 tackles and 4.5 sacks, while Rodriguez has tallied 79 tackles, one sack, and one interception. Reese has registered 68 tackles and 4.5 sacks through eight games in 2026, and Singleton leads the group with 107 tackles and two sacks through nine games.
What to watch: Minnesota's upcoming injury reports will determine whether Cashman is cleared to play in Week 11. Rodriguez and Reese will look to build on their rookie campaigns as they remain within three stops of the league lead.