The Vikings Pull Off a Whopping 8 Roster Moves

The Vikings pulled off a ton of roster moves a day ago.

In a single social media post, the team clarified that quarterback Max Brosmer and edge rusher Kyle Van Noy were being added to the 53-man roster. TE2 Josh Oliver has been shuffled to the IR. Backup punter Johnny Hekker got released. The practice squad grafted edge rusher Kenny Dyson into the mix. The practice squad has opted to release running back Jerome Ford, running back Jaret Patterson, and defensive lineman Jonathan Harris. Do the tally and that’s eight decisions for the team.

The Vikings Pull Off a Pile of Roster Moves

Admittedly, the decisions up top may be a touch overwhelming. It’s a lot, so let’s spend a few moments to digest what’s taking place.

Opting for the Brosmer and Van Noy promotions was a poorly-kept secret. Each were the prophesied options to jump into the third spot on the depth chart at their particular positions. So, Brosmer is the QB3 and Van Noy the EDGE3; the team’s 53-man roster now reflects that.

Next up is the Hekker release. He got signed last weekend to fill-in for the injured Brett Thorson. Doing so allowed for Minnesota to then use the pair of practice squad elevations of different players. In other words, Minnesota didn’t plan on keeping the veteran on the roster for a long time. Moving on was the plan all along but keep an eye on things to see if he’s retained on the practice squad.

The Oliver shuffle is the expected outcome due to his torn bicep. In a perfect world, the hulking tight end get can back to full health before long, but it remains to be seen if he could come back for a late-season push and/or a playoff run.

What’s then noteworthy is the trio of practice squad subtractions. Gone are a pair of depth runners and a depth defensive lineman. What gives?

Well, the runner depth appears likely to get a boost from a different source. Jordan Schultz sends along some insight: “Sources: The #Vikings are signing former #Saints RB Devin Neal to a contract. Just 23 years old and a 5th-round pick last year, Neal totaled 310 yards and 2 TDs as a rookie. He joins a Minnesota team that has been seeking RB depth.”

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert clarified that the Neal deal came after an earlier tryout: “The Vikings also had 2 RBs in for workouts today, after releasing Jerome Ford and Jaret Patterson from their practice squad: Devin Neal and Audric Estime.”

Neal is the winner, at least initially.

Moving off of Harris is somewhat odd, but note that Ty Ingram-Dawkins is back to being healthy and available. Moreover, depth option Elijah Williams hasn’t yet been activated for a game, so there’s decent in-house depth for the Vikings along the defensive line. At best, Harris was the DT7 behind all of Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Ingram-Dawkins, Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, and Williams.

If you get the chance, listen to a Nolan Teasley presser. The GM is commonly found explaining that the Vikings are an evolving, constantly changing team. That doesn’t mean there are massive moves all the time. What that does mean, though, is that there’s a constant effort to improve, adjust, react to injuries, learn, grow, and so on.

The Vikings’ moves help to substantiate what Mr. Teasley is often saying.

Next up on the schedule is a Week 4 game against the Miami Dolphins. Pulling off the (expected) victory would mean getting up to a sizzling 4-0.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.