Jan 1, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports.
N’Keal Harry found his way to the Minnesota Vikings’ roster in the summer of 2023, sticking around for last year’s campaign and making the practice squad this season.
But he may be gone for good.
The Vikings dropped Harry this week after adding T.J. Hockenson and Dalton Risner to the active roster last week and signing newcomer linebacker Calvin Munson, plus practice-reunion-wideout Trishton Jackson on Monday.
The Vikings announced via social media: “The Vikings have signed LB Calvin Munson and WR Trishton Jackson to the practice squad. TE N’Keal Harry has been released from the practice squad.”
Of course, freshly released veterans like Harry often return to the practice squad within a few days, but it is unclear if that will happen with him because Minnesota will soon welcome back the aforementioned Hockenson and tight end Nick Muse. Minnesota might be set at tight end when those two heal from injuries.
There are the Vikings’ tight ends without Harry:
Harry converted to tight end from wide receiver last offseason. Because Hockenson’s ACL recovery would bleed into the regular season, many envisioned Harry as a sleeper contributor, but that theory never caught on.
The former 1st-Rounder received no targets in the Vikings’ passing game last year and hasn’t seen a regular season field in 2024.
Any move involving Harry will always be noteworthy because of his draft stock. Five years ago, the Patriots spent a 1st-Round pick on the Arizona State alumnus, and hefty expectations always follow such picks. Harry is no different.
Harry has tabulated 64 receptions for 714 yards and 5 scores in his five-year career, so he has some gameday experience. He hasn’t taken the NFL by storm since 2019, especially as a former 1st-Rounder, but he was more of a ‘big name’ to land with the Vikings than most folks expected in the summer of 2023.
Meanwhile, Hockenson will soon be back in the Vikings’ lineup and should take the offense to new heights. Minnesota takes on the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football and is expected to win by three. Without Hockenson, head coach Kevin O’Connell has not leaned on tight ends too heavily, though Johnny Mundt has made a few catches at crucial times.
Harry is free to sign anywhere in the NFL and will likely get a practice squad audition at tight end before too long.
He’ll turn 27 in December.
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.