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Minnesota Vikings Sign Two New Players; Cut Linebacker
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- Minnesota Vikings Sign Two New Players; Cut Linebacker
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The roster shuffle continues for the Minnesota Vikings . They don't have to cut the roster down to 53 players until August 26th at 3pm central time. That gives them additional flexibility for their final preseason game on Saturday against the Tennessee Titans .
Right now Kevin O'Connell's team is dealing with a level of unavailability. Justin Jefferson just returned to practice , but Andrew Van Ginkel and Harrison Smith are not currently there . Jalen Nailor is hurt, and Jordan Addison 's suspension will kick in soon.
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As the team considers all of its options, and scours the market for depth, moves on the fringes continue to trickle in.
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Offensive additions force MN Vikings to cut on defense
Tuesday brought more roster news for the Minnesota Vikings as the team announced it had made additions to the offense. Lineman Zack Bailey and running back Xazavian Valladay are joining the roster. To make room for them, linebacker Max Tooley was waived.
It's highly unlikely that either of the two recent additions make the 53-man roster. However, both should see real run in a final preseason game that will be largely played by third string talent.
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Bailey joins an offensive line that is now among the most expensive in the NFL. The Vikings revamped the interior of the group this offseason. That should help to protect quarterback J.J. McCarthy , as well as open up additional holes for the running game. He was with Minnesota on the practice squad in 2020, and part of the 2021 offseason.
Valladay could find himself making noise in the final preseason game. It doesn't appear that the Vikings are set on Ty Chandler as their third running back. Maybe he sticks around as a return man, but Zavier Scott is already breathing down his neck and has had the better preseason. Valladay was on the New Orleans Saints practice squad last season.
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It was always going to be tough for a guy like Tooley to crack a role on Brian Flores' defense. The front seven has been called the best in the league and is living up to the hype . Former first round pick Dallas Turner is even fighting for linebacker reps due to the quality at the top.
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The Vikings kick off the regular season on Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears . They'll be under the lights at Soldier Field on September 8 .
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