Recapping a Busy Wednesday for the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings and the rest of the NFL solidifed their initial 53-man rosters on Tuesday afternoon.
However, the roster moves did not stop there. Wednesday also proved to be a busy day in Vikings news, so this morning, we are recapping all the moves that happened over the course of the day.
OT David Quessenberry, RB Myles Gaskin Join the 53-Man Roster
The Vikings made a couple moves to shake up their 53-man roster on Wednesday. First, they signed veteran RB Myles Gaskin, who spent his first four NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Gaskin provides the Vikings another option in the backfield who can be a proficient pass-catcher and eat up touches. In case either Alexander Mattison or Ty Chandler get hurt, he can provide some security at the position.
Meanwhile, Minnesota later signed OT David Quessenberry as well, adding more offensive tackle depth to the team. As of Tuesday evening, Minnesota had only three players listed at tackle (Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neill, and Oli Udoh), so this was a position that needed more depth heading into the season.
Jalen Reagor Waived
In order to free up space for Gaskin, the Vikings waived former first-round WR Jalen Reagor. After an underwhelming start to his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota acquired him via trade last season to be their main punt returner.
However, the experiment did not quite work out, leading to the waiving on Wednesday. As a result, the conditional 2024 fourth-round pick that Minnesota sent to Philadelphia will likely become a fifth-rounder instead. Reagor’s $2.42 million salary in 2023 is fully guaranteed, so the Vikings have been hoping that someone will claim him. If he goes unclaimed, Minnesota will have to eat the entirety of that cap hit.
Kene Nwangwu Heads to IR
As was expected, RB Kene Nwangwu went to IR on Wednesday. The RB has not been practicing for the past few weeks, and Minnesota needed to free up a roster spot in order to bring in Quessenberry.
The Vikings will be able to activate him for their Week 5 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, but until then, they will need to figure out another solution at kick returner.
The Practice Squad Additons
Following the conclusion of the waiver process, the Vikings also began filling out their practice squad. Many of the names on this year’s practice squad are players who were waived on Tuesday. Here is the full list to this point:
- OT Hakeem Adeniji
- IOL Alan Ali
- CB C.J. Coldon
- DL Sheldon Day
- WR Lucky Jackson
- WR Trishton Jackson
- RB DeWayne McBride
- OL Tyrese Robinson
- DL T.J. Smith
- WR Thayer Thomas
- OLB Luiji Vilain
- OLB Benton Whitley
- CB Jaylin Williams
- CB Joejuan Williams
The practice squad includes 2023 seventh-round pick RB DeWayne McBride as well as veteran CB Joejuan Williams, offering the Vikings further depth at these positions. OLB Luiji Vilain also sticks around after a very strong summer.
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.