Vikings Make Several Roster Changes Prior to Arizona Showdown
Brent LaBathe
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Prior to their big prime time game in Arizona this Thursday evening, the Vikings made a few notable roster adjustments in hopes of coping with the recent string of injuries that has impacted the team.
To help in filling the voids left by Harrison Smith and Antone Exum, the Vikings moved undrafted free agent rookie Anthony Harris to the active roster and resigned Shaun Prater, who was a late preseason cut this past fall.
Vikings sign Shaun Prater, move Anthony Harris and Terrance Plummer to active roster, Antone Exum on injured reserve, waive Justin Trattou.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) December 8, 2015
Harris was signed post draft in May out of the University of Virginia, with plenty of acclaim due to his potential. Prater was a mid season acquisition in 2013 when Leslie Frazier was trying to find solutions in the secondary. Spending most of his time at corner back, Prater moved to safety this past off season in hopes of showing his versatility as a defensive back.
Although Prater wasn’t necessarily a surprise cut, he had shown some flashes in the preseason that justifies this move for the team. It’s not clear what the Vikings plan to do with Prater just yet with Harris moving to the active roster. Time will be needed for Prater to re-acclimate himself with the defense, I am sure.
To make room for Prater, the Vikings have waived defensive end Justin Trattou. Trattou had an excellent preseason and earned his spot on the team with impressive showings, but hasn’t seen the field much in the regular season with rookie Danielle Hunter and Scott Critchon getting the opportunities to relieve the starters on the defensive line.
The Vikings head into their toughest match up the season absolutely ravished by injuries. Maybe Zimmer and crew have some tricks up their sleeves, but we could be in for a long one come Thursday night.