Transaction Tuesday: Josh Doctson waived, Cameron Smith elevated, Johnny Stanton re-signed

With the bye week in the rearview mirror, preparations for the Vikings’ Monday Night matchup against the Seahawks began on Tuesday morning. Multiple transactions were announced by the team, and with players back at practice, things on the injury front began to take shape.

Transactions

• Linebacker Cameron Smith was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster
• Receiver Josh Doctson was waived
• Fullback Johnny Stanton was signed to the practice squad

Injuries

Receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) and guard Josh Kline (concussion) returned to practice. Nose tackle Linval Joseph (knee) did not practice. Defensive tackle Shamar Stephen (listed two weeks ago with knee injury) and linebacker Ben Gedeon (concussion) were also not present. Defensive end Everson Griffen (undisclosed) along with safeties Harrison Smith (hamstring) and Anthony Harris (groin) were on the side without helmets – per Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press.

Outlook

• Doctson’s departure may be a sign that Thielen is ready to return to game action against Seattle. Doctson, 26, was active for one game with the Vikings and did not catch a pass. According to Tomasson the team was underwhelmed with Doctson after he returned from a hamstring injury which kept him on IR for more than eight weeks. Currently, the team has four receivers on the 53-man roster:

1. Adam Thielen
2. Stefon Diggs
3. Bisi Johnson
4. Laquon Treadwell

• Cameron Smith‘s promotion will provide the team with depth at linebacker in case Ben Gedeon is not able to clear the concussion protocol before the showdown in Seattle.
• Johnny Stanton (6-2, 250; 25) gives the Vikings another practice squad fullback after Khari Blasingame was plucked by Tennessee on Nov. 13. Stanton originally signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2018 but missed the season after suffering a broken ankle in a preseason game.
• With Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris both battling injuries, Jayron Kearse could play a increased role at safety on Monday night.