Vikings Shuffle Practice Squad, Sign TE and Cut CB
K. Joudry
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The Vikings’ practice squad has made a couple changes. Jacob Hollister, a tight end, has been added. To make room, the team has moved on from corner Parry Nickerson.
Take a look at some of the details from the Vikings.com piece:
Hollister has appeared in 57 career games and made 12 starts since first entering the NFL in 2017 as an undrafted free agent out of Wyoming. He has 83 career receptions for 707 yards and seven touchdowns.
Hollister played 15 games and made one start as a rookie with the New England Patriots, recording four catches for 42 yards.
He appeared in another eight games and made one more start in 2018 when he totaled four catches for 52 yards.
Seattle acquired Hollister via a trade in April 2019. He followed with 41 receptions for 349 yards and three touchdowns that season. Hollister caught six passes for 44 yards in a 37-30 win over Minnesota in Seattle in December 2019.
So far, Kevin O’Connell has made it a priority to integrate his tight ends into the offensive game plan. Irv Smith Jr. didn’t get much opportunity in Week 1, but that was likely due to the recent injury. He had 5 catches for 36 yards and a TD in Week 2 (and a critical drop that could have really boosted those stats). Last Sunday, he had a couple catches and 32 yards.
Meanwhile, Johnny Mundt and Ben Ellefson have also had some opportunities. Both are being relied to be strong blockers – especially Ellefson – but they’ve each had several catches.
At this stage, it seems unlikely that the Vikings will elevate Hollister from the practice squad anytime soon. The top 3 tight ends have been doing a nice job, so this is a move that seems to be about solidifying the overall depth. Clearly, O’Connell is happy to have three capable tight ends available on game day. Hollister is available if there is an injury in the future.
Unfortunately, Nickerson will now be looking for work. Originally a 6th-round selection in 2018, Nickerson has played for a few teams in his NFL career. He has spent time with the Jets, Jaguars, Packers, and Vikings.
As Chris Tomasson points out, the decision to move on from Nickerson suggests Minnesota feels confident Andrew Booth Jr. – a 2nd-round selection in the most recent draft – will be coming back from injury:
Getting the young corner back is certainly encouraging. Hopefully, the rookie can stay healthy and start contributing on Sundays.
The Vikings’ next game will take place in London against the Saints. The changes to the practice squad are unlikely to make much an impact for Week 4. Nevertheless, this is something to monitor as the season progresses.
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