The Vikings Make Their Final Wave of Cuts to Form Their 53-Man Roster

  |  
Aug 29, 2023
Training Camp Report Dates
Jun 11, 2019; Eagan, MN, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the field at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings have made their final wave of roster cuts ahead of the 2023 season to form their initial 53-man roster.

This final wave of moves included a total of 11 cuts. Here is the list of players that it included:

  • RB Aaron Dykes
  • WR Blake Proehl
  • WR Lucky Jackson
  • WR Jacob Copeland
  • TE Ben Sims
  • IOL Jack Snyder
  • DL T.J. Smith
  • OLB Benton Whitley
  • LB Troy Reeder
  • LB Abraham Beauplan
  • CB Jaylin Williams

Vikings Make Final Wave of Roster Cuts

Final Wave
Nov 25, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears tight end Ben Sims (8) drops a pass during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

DL Junior Aho manages to stick around on a roster exemption while IOL Chris Reed begins the 2023 season on NFI.

There are a few surprises on the roster as a result of this final wave. Firstly, the Vikings will keep around six safeties to begin the season. All six of Harrison Smith, Cam Bynum, Josh Metellus, Lewis Cine, Jay Ward, and Theo Jackson made the cut.

This is likely a result of Cine’s recent injury, thus enticing the Vikings to keep Jackson around in case he is unable to play in Week 1.

Aug 19, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (32) runs the ball as Minnesota Vikings safety Lewis Cine (6) looks to make the tackle during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Meanwhile, the Vikings will also keep four tight ends on the roster as Nick Muse makes the team. He joins a room that includes T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and the 2022 seventh-round pick.

Muse had a fantastic summer, and during the preseason, he caught 7 passes for 72 yards and a touchdown. It was a tight battle throughout the summer between himself, Ben Sims, and Colin Thompson, but Muse won out.

NFL: Preseason-Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks
Aug 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Nick Muse (34) catches a pass for a touchdown over Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22) during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Reagor also remains on the 53-man roster despite trade rumors circulating earlier in the day. Perhaps this is a situation to keep an eye on in the coming days.

The full Vikings 53-man roster will be posted on the site shortly.

2023 Vikings Roster Cuts Tracker
Also Read:
2023 Vikings Roster Cuts Tracker

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.