EAGAN, MN - Minnesota Vikings‘ initial 53 blended new faces with core returners, then the team swiftly built a practice squad heavy on WR/OL depth and experienced DBs.
The biggest decisions
The Vikings kept three quarterbacks and emphasized off-ball speed on defense. Multiple late-camp trades and reductions shaped the final picture, including movement at defensive line and corner.
Initial 53 (by position)
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RB: Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler, Myles Price (return/WR gadget)
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WR: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jahan Dotson, Brandon Powell
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TE: T.J. Hockenson, Nick Vannett, Ben Yurosek
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OL: Christian Darrisaw, Brian O'Neill, Dalton Risner, Ed Ingram, Blake Brandel, Cody Mauch, Dan Feeney
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DL/EDGE: Jonathan Allen, Jonathan Bullard, Chaz Chambliss, Andrew Van Ginkel, Bo Richter
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LB: Blake Cashman, Ivan Pace Jr., Mekhi Wingo (hybrid)
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DB: Byron Murphy Jr., Jeff Okudah, Akayleb Evans, Andrew Booth Jr., Josh Metellus, Lewis Cine
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Specialists: K Will Reichard, P Ryan Wright, LS Andrew DePaola
Who was cut (and other moves)
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Final-cut highlights: Minnesota waived a mix of OL/WR depth and a specialist; pre-deadline trades moved a veteran DL and CB to reshape the two-deep.
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Roster reductions (timeline): Waves of waives/releases on Aug. 24-26 trimmed the group to the league-mandated 53.
Practice squad (official)
Henry Byrd (G), Dontae Fleming (WR), Kahlef Hailassie (S), Jonathan Harris (DL), Lucky Jackson (WR), Jeshaun Jones (WR), Tim Jones (WR), Vershon Lee (G), Fabian Moreau (CB), Myles Price (WR/RB), Bryson Nesbit (TE), Nick Vannett (TE - PS designation pending), Xazavian Valladay (RB), plus additional WR/CB depth as announced.
What it means
Kevin O'Connell's group is built to stay multiple on offense and faster on defense. A healthy Jefferson/Hockenson spine lets Minnesota toggle between spread and heavy looks, while the defense bets on an active second level and situational rush packages. Expect frequent practice-squad elevations at WR and OL early.
