5 Vikings Assert Their Case for Roster Spots
The preseason is largely about roster battles and the fringe players showing they are worthy of keeping around. With one preseason game left to go, five Vikings have staked their claim for a roster spot when it’s cut down to the final 53.
5 Vikings Assert Their Case for Roster Spots
Most of the Vikings’ final 53-man roster was never in doubt, barring injuries like we saw with J.J. McCarthy. That injury and a two-touchdown outing against the Cleveland Browns have probably secured Jaren Hall’s place on the roster. Other players who have given themselves a chance with some decent preseason displays include Nick Muse and N’Keal Harry, who could be battling it out for the last TE spot.
Five players deserve their place on the roster if I am picking now.
1. Trishton Jackson
What a preseason it has been for Trishton Jackson. An undrafted WR back in 2020 who the Los Angeles Rams signed, Jackson was signed to the Vikings practice squad in 2021 and has been in Minnesota ever since being waived and re-signed numerous times. He finally got a chance to play last season, being active in seven games and catching 2 of 4 targets for 9 yards.
He was behind Jalen Nailor, Brandon Powell, and Trent Sheffield in the presumed pecking order. However, with 7 catches, 139 yards, and 2 touchdowns, including some explosive plays, Jackson has thrived this month. In my opinion, he is the preseason star and has played his way onto the roster. Do the Vikings keep six WRs, or does one of Powell or Sherfield miss out?
2. Lewis Cine
Nothing was more pleasing from the Cleveland game than the sight of Lewis Cine making plays. I’ve always felt how long Cine would take to return from a serious injury — not just heal — has been underestimated. A player has to learn to trust his body again after such a horrific injury, and that can take time. There’s also been talk of him struggling to pick up the scheme, but whatever has held Cine back, there were signs of the player the Vikings thought they drafted in Cleveland on Saturday.
Of course, it will take more than one preseason game to resurrect his career, but we saw the full range of what he can do — hard-hitting tackles, a sack, a blitz, and an interception. I was always the obvious opinion that Cine gets this season to prove himself. Now, I have no doubts.
3. Bo Richter
The Vikings’ ability to find good undrafted players is becoming impressive. Ivan Pace is the clear standout, but the Vikings are at it again this year. Gabriel Murphy was tipped to be the breakout this year, but it’s the edge rusher Bo Richter that has come to the fore. Richter put his name in the roster conversation with 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a QB hit, and a sack against Las Vegas. He added another sack against the Cleveland Browns.
He might not have the prototypical size of an NFL defender, but he plays with tenacity and ferocity, which can lead to his success. From his early showings in Vikings purple, the comments of his defensive line coach at Air Force ring true. Of Richter, Alex Means said, “he loves the violence of the game,” which is something I’d like to see more of throughout the 2024 season.
4. Dwight McGlothern
Dwight McGlothern has been one of the stories of training camp, and he cemented his rising stock with an impressive interception and 90-yard reception. McGlothern is another undrafted player that the Vikings have brought in who has impressed.
The signing of Stephon Gilmore puts another barrier in the way of McGlothern making the 53-man roster. However, adding the experienced starter to the CB group also leads me to favor keeping the youthful McGlothern as a depth option.
5. Myles Gaskin
The Vikings backfield will be led by Aaron Jones and backed up by Ty Chandler. The rules regarding kick returns means Kene Nwangwu is a must on the roster, though an explosive 48-yard touchdown against the Raiders and seven carries for 45 yards against the Browns was the best he’s looked as a runner in a Vikings uniform.
The only question to resolve was whether the Vikings kept a fourth running back. That competition is between Myles Gaskin and DeWayne McBride, and the veteran Gaskin looked a level above against the Browns. Gaskin’s 45 yards at an average of five yards per carry easily surpassed McBride’s effort of 17 yards at 2.8 yards per carry. Gaskin has pushed his case to make the squad.
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