4 Under-the-Radar Vikings Players Who Could Earn Roster Spots
In 23 days, the Minnesota Vikings’ roster will shrink from 91 players to 53.
4 Under-the-Radar Vikings Players Who Could Earn Roster Spots
Several players are locks for the roster, while many are sitting on the bubble. Thirty-eight won’t make the active roster at all.
And these four players can be considered “under the radar” men who make the 53-man roster. They’re listed alphabetically.
1. Trishton Jackson (WR)
Who He May Oust? Trent Sherfield.
Sherfield has encountered a rather silent start to training camp, even if Minnesota made him the keynote free-agent addition at wide receiver five months ago. A player further down the depth chart like Jackson — who has staying power on Kevin O’Connell’s roster — could score the upset.
Jackson notably caught a sweet two-point conversion last year during the Vikings’ win at the Atlanta Falcons.
2. Nick Muse (TE)
Who He May Oust? None. The Vikings have TE injuries.
T.J. Hockenson’s injury recovery is ahead of schedule, but no one is too sure if the Pro Bowler will be ready for Week 1. Maybe, maybe not. Then, Robert Tonyan fell victim to back spasms this week, and his target to return is near the start of the preseason — next weekend.
Muse may make the roster out of necessity if the TE injuries continue.
3. Taki Taimani (DT)
Who He May Oust? Another bubble DT. The Vikings need big-bodied men in the middle of the defensive line.
Due to a lack of nose tackle depth, Taimani could turn heads and steal a spot on the 53-man roster. The University of Oregon listed Taimani at 330 pounds last year, and if that were accurate, he’d be the heaviest player on Minnesota’s defense. Why does that matter? Well, Brian Flores’ defense has no true nose tackle(s), and one would think such a player would be nice in certain situations to stuff the run.
4. Seth Vernon (P)
Who He May Oust? Ryan Wright.
Vernon outperformed Wright at June’s minicamp, and the two appear neck and neck in training camp. The preseason might be the decisive hinge for the Vikings’ punter battle.
It’s probably a coinflip, meaning Vernon could easily make the 53-man roster, and many fans don’t know who he is yet.
Wright punted wonderfully in 2022 but took a head-scratching step back last season.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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