The Vikings Have Conducted More than 20 Roster Moves in September Alone
Yes, most of Minnesota’s roster moves have been minor, but we’re nevertheless talking about a reasonably beefy number when it comes to player shuffling. The Vikings have been busy.
In many instances, the moves have been in response to injury. Players have been slid over to the IR, signed to the 53-man roster, and/or brought aboard the practice squad. Still others have simply jumped up from the practice squad via game-day elevation, something that has taken place on a weekly basis. Consider, by way of recap, what has taken place so far during the opening month of the NFL season.
The Vikings Have Exceeded 20 Roster Moves in September
The least noteworthy moves, in a sense, are the practice squad elevations. No new players, just leaning on internal depth to help on Sunday. Consider the basics:
- Week 1: WR Tim Jones Elevated
- Week 2: CB Fabian Moreau & EDGE Gabriel Murphy Elevated
- Week 3: RB Cam Akers and G Henry Byrd Elevated
Right off the top, there are five roster moves. The elevations mostly arrived due to injuries to top players. Jeff Okudah missed Week 2 with a concussion, so Moreau got bumped up. Aaron Jones needed time on the IR, so Akers get the nod for Week 3. And so on.
Step back some and consider who has been added to the practice squad:
- CB Tyrek Funderburk
- LB Sione Takitaki
- RB Cam Akers
- RB Corey Kiner
- WR Tim Jones
Okay, so we’re now getting to the point where things are getting somewhat convoluted. Zeroing in on Mr. Jones, for instance, would involve seeing someone who has been on the roster, the practice squad, and who has been elevated. The life of a depth NFL player can often be choppy.
Coming into the 2025 regular season, Jones was on the practice squad. A Week 1 elevation occurred. He then got signed to the active roster after some injuries (more on that in a moment). He then got demoted after the return of Jordan Addison, shaved off the active roster. He was then brought back to the practice squad. Choppy, convoluted, and circuitous. But, crucially, getting paid to play professional football.
Step back more to see who has been shuffled to injured reserve:
- RB Ty Chandler
- LB Blake Cashman
- RB Aaron Jones
Note, as well, that Alexander Williams was hanging out on injured reserve but was put onto waivers. So, that’s yet another roster move.
Consider who has been added onto the 53-man roster:
- WR Tim Jones (Currently Back on the PS)
- TE Nick Vannett
- QB Desmond Ridder
What else is missing? Some cuts from the practice squad — Minnesota said goodbye to WR Lucky Jackson and RB Xazavian Valladay on September 23rd — while saying hello to Jordan Addison, someone coming off a three-game suspension.
The final tally therefore demonstrates ample roster movement.
There has been someone waived from the IR, a trio added to the IR, and someone brought back from suspension. There have been signings to the active roster and the practice squad. There has been a cut to a roster player and practice squad players. There have been elevations. Goodness, all that’s missing is a trade, something that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah isn’t afraid of venturing into.
The upcoming game may yet feature just a bit more roster tweaking. If so, then understand that it’s simply part of the ongoing process of refining a roster that’s seeking to thrive in 2025.
