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Vikings' initial 53-man roster set: McCarthy and Brosmer both make the cut
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- Vikings' initial 53-man roster set: McCarthy and Brosmer both make the cut
The Vikings have set their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season. Not only is J.J. McCarthy among the 53, Minnesota also kept Max Brosmer as the fourth quarterback.
There are several other interesting cuts or inclusions as well. Here's the roster in its entirety, position by position.
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Quarterback (4)
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J.J. McCarthy
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Max Brosmer
Brosmer's inclusion is certainly a surprise after his preseason struggles. Teams don't typically keep four quarterbacks.
Running back and fullback (4)
Zavier Scott was a notable cut at running back.
Wide receiver (6)
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Dillon Bell
The Vikings opted to keep six receivers by including Bell, who has impressed as an undrafted rookie.
Tight end (4)
Instead of choosing between Yurosek and Bartholomew, the Vikings kept both.
Offensive line (8)
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RG Will Fries
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RT Brian O'Neill
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T Caleb Tiernan
Backup center Michael Jurgens was placed on IR with a designation to return, meaning he'll miss at least four names. In the meantime, the Vikings have only three backup OL, and Huber might be in line to be the backup center.
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Defensive line (6)
Isaiahh Loudermilk was the most notable DL cut. Williams has made the 53 for the second straight year.
Outside linebacker (4)
Tyler Batty was placed on season-ending IR with a torn ACL, raising even more pressing questions about the Vikings' OLB depth.
Linebacker (4)
No surprises here. Jacob Roberts got banged up in the final preseason game.
Cornerback (5)
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Chuck Demmings
Vaughn gets the fifth and final spot in this room.
Safety (5)
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Jacob Thomas
Special teams maven Tavierre Thomas was a semi-surprising cut. Harrison Smith watch continues.
Specialists (3)
In some of the more notable news of the day, the undrafted rookie Thorson won the Vikings' punting job over veteran Johnny Hekker .
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Here are all of the players the Vikings waived or released:
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CB Da'Veawn Armstead
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WR Michael Briscoe
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G Henry Byrd
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WR Terrill Davis
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C Gavin Gerhardt (seventh-round pick)
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CB Tre Hawkins
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LB Bangally Kamara
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TE Marshall Lang
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TE Matt Lauter
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G Vershon Lee
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OL Delby Lemieux
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CB Bryce Phillips
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OL Tomas Rimac
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LB Josh Ross
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WR Trayvon Rudolph
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WR Marcus Sanders, Jr.
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RB Zavier Scott
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OLB Cam'Ron Stewart
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DL Smith Vilbert
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CB Jarod Washington
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CB Marcus Allen (injury designation)
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OLB Kenny Dyson (injury designation)
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WR Dontae Fleming (injury designation)
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RB Jermar Jefferson (injury designation)
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TE Bryson Nesbit (injury designation)
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LB Jacob Roberts (injury designation)
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DL Jonathan Harris
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P Johnny Hekker
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DL Isaiahh Loudermilk
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S Tavierre Thomas
Jurgens and Batty were placed on IR, Jeshaun Jones went on the reserve/suspended list, and Walter Rouse was traded to the Patriots.
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This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Aug 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Vikings section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
