If Vikings Need a Hand, He’s Available.
Dustin Baker
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Former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Harrison Hand was released with the team’s second batch of roster cuts two weeks ago, leading to a brief relationship for Hand with the New York Giants.
But Hand was cut on Labor Day by those same Giants, paving the way for a theoretical return to the Vikings if Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is interested.
The Giants released Hand from their practice squad to make room for CB Fabian Moreau.
A 5th-Round pick from the 2020 NFL Draft, Hand was considered by some as a shoo-in to make [at least] the Vikings practice squad. Instead, Minnesota retained Parry Nickerson for the role.
Hand played in 23 games for Minnesota while starting one — a Week 17 in 2020 game at Detroit. In the game before he got the nod as a starter, the Vikings were trounced in a Christmas game versus the New Orleans Saints, but Hand stood out with three tackles, two passes defended, and an interception. And that performance was as a rookie.
Overall, Hand played 165 defensive snaps in Minnesota and was on the field for 261 special teams plays. His significant special teams input suggested Hand might be safe to make the 53-man roster or visit the 2022 practice squad. But no cigar.
Too, when the Vikings released Hand, they reportedly believed he’d clear waivers and hence be available to re-sign. But the Giants had other plans — at least for a week and a half. If, indeed, Minnesota wanted Hand somewhere on the 2022 roster, he is now available to scoop.
If Hand is not brought back, it may be because the franchise signed Tay Gowan from waivers last week. Gowan is an “upside” defender that Minnesota’s brass snatched-and-stashed on the practice squad.
On the active roster, the Vikings roll into 2022 with these corners:
CB1: Patrick Peterson
CB2: Cameron Dantzler
CB3: Chandon Sullivan
CB4: Andrew Booth
CB5: Kris Boyd
CB6: Akayleb Evans
The Vikings ranked 28th in passing yards allowed last year.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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