Vikings Waive Kicker Jack Podlesny, Sign Another RB
When the Vikings signed undrafted kicker Jack Podlesny this spring, there was some scuttlebutt that he could create competition with Greg Joseph for Minnesota’s kicker job.
That theory was heightened to reality when special team coordinator Matt Daniels flat-out said that there was a competition between the two players.
Well, that competition appears to be over now. On Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings announced that they had waived Podlesny in order to free up roster space for another running back. The team’s social media account tweeted, “The #Vikings have signed RB Aaron Dykes (@dykes_aaron) and waived K Jack Podlesny.”
Vikings Waive Jack Podlesny, Sign RB Aaron Dykes
The waiving of Podlesny officially means that for a third season, Greg Joseph will be the kicker in Minnesota. It’s an earned right for a player that came up huge in the clutchest of moments for the Vikings during the 2022 season.
Despite some struggles on extra points (Joseph had a league-high six misses) and from 50+ yards (four makes on 10 attempts from that distance), the Vikings kicker made five game-winners over the course of the regular season.
As for the Vikings newest running back, Aaron Dykes spent his collegiate career at the University of Richmond. Playing five seasons for the Spiders, Dykes appeared in 42 games and recorded a grand total of 470 carries, 1980 rushing yards, and 16 rushing TDs.
The running back was a proficient receiver throughout his collegiate years as well. Dykes put together 77 receptions for 750 yards and 8 TDs for Richmond. He didn’t stop there, though. He also was a notably terrific kick returner throughout his collegiate years, adding 73 returns for 1802 yards and 3 TDs.
With Kene Nwangwu still sidelined with injury (he was again absent from practice Thursday), the Vikings need another reliable kick returner on their roster as he recovers. Dykes looks like the latest candidate to fill that role.
The Vikings will take on the Titans in their second preseason game on Saturday, August 19th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM Central at U.S. Bank Stadium.
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.