Official Predictions for 8 Vikings on the Roster Bubble
On Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings’ roster will shrink from 91 players to 53 — and the cuts might even begin on Monday.
The 8 Big-Name Vikings on the Roster Bubble
The club is expected to win around six or seven games in 2024, as oddsmakers do not believe in the quarterback solution, Sam Darnold, this season.
And with the regular season 13 days away, these are our predictions for the Vikings players on the roster bubble. All players are listed alphabetically.
1. Brian Asamoah (LB)
Prediction: Out
Minnesota will probably keep Ivan Pace Jr., Blake Cashman, and Kamu Grugier-Hill for the 32024 campaign. Asamoah is the wildcard.
He has not caught on as a Viking, and as a 3rd-Rounder from the 2022 NFL Draft, he should be a bit further along. He did, though, notch a sweet sack — that should’ve been a safety — in the second preseason game.
We expect a safety like Josh Metellus to fill in if Minnesota’s linebacker depth becomes suspect in a game.
2. Lewis Cine (S)
Prediction: Out
Cine activated the game of his NFL life on August 17th — at the precise moment when fans had essentially given up on him. It’s unclear if he’ll make the 53-man roster — that feels like a coinflip — also known as the roster bubble.
He’s arguably the highest-profile name on the bubble. We think Minnesota will trade or waive him. There is just so limited playing time available for a Vikings team with four safeties already locked on the roster.
3. Jaren Hall (QB)
Prediction: In
Minnesota could, in theory, keep just two quarterbacks in 2024, sign a man from the post-cutdown free-agent wire, retain Matt Corral over Hall, or conduct a trade in the next few days.
Hall played lousy in Preseason Game No. 1 but redeemed himself the following two weekends. He’s safer than most but is still on the roster bubble.
Minnesota should keep Hall.
4. Patrick Jones II (OLB)
Prediction: In
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did not personally draft Jones II, and if he likes a newcomer like Bo Richter, Jones II could be on the chopping block. Jones II does have veteran incumbency going for him, which is crucial, but his status heading into the roster deadline is unknown. It could go either way.
Jones II didn’t play during the final preseason game. He’s likely safe.
5. James Lynch (DT)
Prediction: Out
Lynch has been attached to the Vikings’ roster in various capacities — often injured — going on five seasons. When he’s healthy, he’s rather productive. But Minnesota has plenty of defensive tackles vying for roster spots, and it’s unclear if Lynch’s veteran resume will let him slip through to the 53-man roster.
Minnesota may keep a youngster like Levi Drake Rodriguez instead of Lynch.
6. Dalton Risner (OG)
Prediction: Out
Risner feels like he’s on his way out, mainly because Minnestoa signed guards Matthe Cindric and Chuck Filiaga this week. His injury for a few weeks hasn’t helped his roster case.
He was beloved by Vikings fans last year, and it will be odd to see such an established pass-protector go, but Risner’s job does not feel secure with trimdowns just days away.
Our sources claim Risner is trending toward a roster cut.
7. Duke Shelley (CB)
Prediction: Out
When Shelley rejoined the Vikings in July, he felt like terrific veteran depth. However, Adofo-Mensah also added Stephon Gilmore and Fabian Moreau, men who, for all intents and purposes, probably seized Shelley’s regular season roster spot.
He could still hit the practice squad, though.
8. Robert Tonyan (TE)
Prediction: Out
Like Risner, Tonyan has been injured, dampening his chances of reaching the September roster. Vikings-themed voices don’t believe Tonyan will make the cut at all next week. For example, KSTP’s Darren Wolfson said on SKOR North last Tuesday, “Tonyan, he got a good chance here, but this, to me, signifies that his body might just be done.”
Wolfson added, “It’s a phenomenally tough sport, he’s a big guy, he’s obviously taken a pounding, I wonder if this is the end of the road here. I don’t see a path here.”
Wolfson’s theory seems reasonable. The “can’t make the club in the tub” motto also applies here.
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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