Aug 26, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) leaves the field before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
The 2023 preseason schedule has officially come to an end for the Minnesota Vikings.
Now, as the team begins their preparation for their Week 1 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they will have to trim their roster down to 53 players by Tuesday afternoon. Here is a prediction for that Vikings 53-man roster.
Cuts: Jordan Ta’amu
Cuts: Aaron Dykes, Abram Smith, DeWayne McBride
Cuts: Jacob Copeland, Lucky Jackson, Trishton Jackson, Garett Maag, Blake Proehl, Thayer Thomas
Cuts: Ben Sims, Colin Thompson
Cuts: Christian DiLauro, Chim Okorafor, Oli Udoh, Jarrid Williams
Cuts: Chris Reed, Jack Snyder, Josh Sokol
Not too many massive surprises here. DeWayne McBride should be able to be stashed on the practice squad, allowing the Vikings to keep him around. This prediction also assumes that Kene Nwangwu will be healthy for Week 1.
When Nwangwu is available, the return ace has been one of the best kick returners in the NFL. If he is not ready to go, though, Aaron Dykes could stick around as well either on the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
Meanwhile, veterans on the offensive line, Chris Reed and Oli Udoh, are out in favor of younger talent. We’re keeping the door open for an outside acquisition at guard as well.
Cuts: Andre Carter, Tanner Vallejo
Cuts: Junior Aho, Calvin Avery, Ross Blacklock, Jonathan Bullard, T.J. Smith
Cuts: Troy Dye, Wilson Huber, Troy Reeder, Tanner Vallejo, Abraham Beauplan
Cuts: Kalon Barnes, C.J. Coldon, Tay Gowan, Jaylin Williams
Cuts: Theo Jackson, Jake Gervase
Brian Flores has shown throughout his coaching history that he loves to keep a large number of defensive backs around. He kept five safeties and at least five cornerbacks in every season of his head coaching tenure with the Miami Dolphins.
In order to maintain that number, we had to trim down one position in particular: off-ball linebacker. With the Vikings running three-safety sets and trying to get all three of Marcus Davenport, Danielle Hunter, and D.J. Wonnum on the field for passing downs, there could be times where only one of the off-ball guys is on the field. We’re keeping Jordan Hicks, Brian Asamoah, and Ivan Pace around while the Troys get cut.
There isn’t all that much to say about this group other than the players that are in the room will all stick around.
NOTE: This article originally appeared on our sister-site PurplePTSD.com.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.