Former Vikings TE Placed on IR by Bills

Aug 14, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Zach Davidson (40) is tackled by Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Kyle Peko (92) and Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) during a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings have seen a number of characters at the tight end position over the past couple seasons. One of those characters has been Zach Davidson, who was a fifth-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft by the team. However, the former Vikings TE and current Buffalo Bill got some unfortunate news this week as he was placed on injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury.

It was a rather unusual week of minicamp in Buffalo to begin with due to the Stefon Diggs situation that apparently has since been resolved as well as TE Dawson Knox missing portions of the week with an injury of his own. Due to the headaches, the team actually cancelled their third practice of the week.

Stefon Diggs
Nov 13, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs warms up before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Davidson can return to the field if he is given an injury settlement and signs with a new team, but his pursuit of a roster spot with the Bills this summer is now over and so may his entire 2023 season.

The tight end did not ever make the Vikings 53-man roster, instead landing on the practice squad for his rookie season in 2021. Then, he was a victim of the roster purge in 2022 that sent the majority of the Vikings 2021 Draft class packing and looking for new teams.

Former Vikings TE
Jun 15, 2021; in Eagen, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Zach Davidson (40) during drills at OTA at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports

Following being waived by Minnesota, the former fifth-round pick was claimed by Buffalo. Ironically, that fifth-round pick that the Vikings selected Davidson with was the same one that the Bills sent them as part of the Stefon Diggs trade.

With Davidson being placed on IR, this now opens up a roster spot for Buffalo, putting them at 89 players rather than the maximum 90. They have been a team that has been rumored to be interested in Dalvin Cook, who the Vikings released last Friday, so the Bills now have the availability on their roster to bring the veteran running back in and unite him with his brother James in their backfield.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.