EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings reduced their roster to 53 players on Tuesday.
Teams have until Wednesday to claim players who were waived and can also sign up to 16 players for their practice squads.
Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O’Connell are scheduled to participate in a media availability at 10 a.m. (CT) Thursday.
Here’s the first look at which Vikings are on the initial 53-man roster for 2023, along with the corresponding roster moves at each position that have been made since Minnesota’s preseason finale.
Players listed first at each position correspond with starters on the unofficial depth chart.
On the Initial 53: Kirk Cousins; Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall
O’Connell said last week that an NFL rule change this offseason regarding a team’s third quarterback and the team’s interest in continuing to develop Hall were enticements when deciding whether to keep two or three quarterbacks.
On the Initial 53: Alexander Mattison; Kene Nwangwu, Ty Chandler
Waived: DeWayne McBride, Abram Smith, Aaron Dykes
Chandler provided some nice moments in the preseason games while Nwangwu has been on the mend. McBride was a seventh-round pick; Smith and Dykes were added during the preseason.
On the Initial 53: C.J. Ham
No surprises here, as O’Connell and other coaches have spoken so glowingly about what Ham adds to the offense, special teams and locker room. He also can provide a little more depth at running back in a pinch.
On the Initial 53: Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn; Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Brandon Powell, Jalen Reagor
Waived: Blake Proehl, Lucky Jackson, Jacob Copeland, Trishton Jackson, Thayer Thomas, Garett Maag
Some thought the Vikings might be choosing between Powell and Reagor, who both can return punts, but the Vikings opted for six receivers on the initial 53.
On the Initial 53: T.J. Hockenson; Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse
Waived: Ben Sims, Colin Thompson
The Vikings have spoken glowingly about Oliver’s addition, as well as Mundt’s underrated nature for his role. Muse turned in a strong camp and preseason as a second-year pro.
On the Initial 53: LT Christian Darrisaw, LG Ezra Cleveland, C Garrett Bradbury, RG Ed Ingram, RT Brian O’Neill; C Austin Schlottmann, G Blake Brandel, T Olisaemeka Udoh
Waived: Josh Sokol, Jack Snyder, Alan Ali, Jarrid Williams, Christian DiLauro
Traded: Vederian Lowe to New England
Placed on Reserve/Non-Football Injury: Chris Reed
The Vikings have valued continuity on the offensive line this offseason. All eight players on the Initial 53 were on the team in 2022 or beyond.
