One of the most intriguing times of the year comes when teams across the NFL have to cut their rosters down to 53 players. Usually the fans have already seen four preseason games at this point, but this year has been much different due to COVID-19.
The Vikings announced their 53-man roster on Saturday with several surprises circulating some of their decisions. Here is the full roster which also includes the names of the players that didn’t make the cut.
One of the biggest surprises revolves around the wide receiver position, which was one of the most fascinating positions to follow throughout training camp. Alexander Hollins got some rave reviews throughout camp but ultimately missed out on the 53-man roster.
Another surprise around the receiver position is the fact that the team kept seven of them. The Vikings have had a tendency in years past to limit the amount of roster spots they use on receivers but must have had strong beliefs around the seven they decided to keep.
Here are the seven receivers that made the team:
Adam Thielen
Bisi Johnson
Justin Jefferson
Tajae Sharpe
Chad Beebe
K.J. Osborn
Dan Chisena
Osborn was almost a shoe-in to make the roster given his returning abilities but the biggest surprise out of the group was Chisena.
Chisena was an undrafted free agent out of Penn State this year and has already shown his versatility throughout camp switching from wide receiver to safety and then back to wide receiver. Although his collegiate stats are almost non-existent, Chisena is 6-foot-3 202 pounds and runs a 4.32 40-yard dash.
There is an extremely good chance that he is given the opportunity to prove himself on special teams, something Adam Thielen once did for the Vikings as well.
Another surprise is the lack of depth at the safety position. Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris are currently the only two safeties on the roster, something that the Vikings will likely address at some point before the season begins.
George Iloka, who was on the Vikings in 2018, worked out for the team recently. Whether or not it’s Iloka who ultimately fills that depth role, the position will need more depth throughout the season.
It has been reported that many of the players that didn’t make the 53-man roster still have a good chance at being placed on the Vikings practice squad if they clear waivers. This will be an interesting piece to keep an eye on as the Vikings try to retain some of the players that impressed throughout camp.
The 53-man roster is set, but more changes could be made as the Vikings try to get some more depth at positions they’re currently lacking at.
For more updates on the Vikings roster tune into KFAN 100.3 or KFAN.com.