The Minnesota Vikings don’t have a game this weekend, but roster cut down day provided the action early. Multiple players found themselves on the bubble, and while a handful of surprises made it , there were plenty of notable cuts.
Which Minnesota Vikings roster moves were most surprising?
Kevin O’Connell begins his third season as the leader of the Minnesota Vikings. As he seeks to usher in a new era at the quarterback position, plenty of roster spots were in flux. The total contingent of the coaching staff found themselves responsible for roster decisions, but at least a few raised eyebrows.
Kene Nwangwu – Running Back
Minnesota opting against rostering Kene Nwangwu was certainly a surprise. The former fourth round pick carved out a role as a kick return specialist. This preseason he also flashed as a traditional running back . With the new kick return rules he seemed like someone who could shine. Minnesota clearly has other intentions there.
Without Nwangwu in the fold, Minnesota has just a pair of running backs. Aaron Jones has previously dealt with injury and Ty Chandler doesn’t have a long track record of starting success. The Vikings likely have their eyes on another running back. That doesn’t mitigate the surprise of the Nwangwu cut.
Related: Final List of Minnesota Vikings Roster Cuts – 2024
Lewis Cine – Safety
It’s not at all surprising that Lewis Cine didn’t make the Vikings roster. It is at least somewhat surprising no trade partner emerged. Cine has played just ten defensive snaps during his career. Eight of them came last season. Despite being a first round pick, Cine has been a non-factor.
That said, he was showcased during the Cleveland Browns preseason game and showed out. The results against the Philadelphia Eagles were not as great, and could have soured suitors. Interest was there from multiple teams, but no deal ever materialized , and it’s hard to imagine what someone with so little value would have required.
Bo Richter – OLB
Of course Richter isn’t a household name. If you watched the preseason at all though, you saw him be a complete disruptor for the Vikings. Minnesota has overhauled the edge rusher position with Johnathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel taking over. Dallas Turner is a promising rookie and Brian Flores builds his defense on the pass rush. Richter could have been kept as depth.
It seems unlikely that Richter will make it to the practice squad, but he would be a candidate to keep around. Van Ginkel dealt with an injury this offseason. It could take Turner a bit of time to get up to speed . It would not be at all surprising to see Richter bringing down quarterbacks on Sunday’s this season.
Tyrese Robinson – OG
This may have been more of a shock had the Vikings not found a way to keep Dalton Risner around. Despite Ed Ingram and Blake Brandel winning the starting spots , the veteran was placed on IR with a designation to return . Risner could be back as soon as Week 5, and that gives O’Connell’s offensive line a safety blanket.
Robinson flashed during the preseason , and there was a time where he looked to challenge Ingram . The former LSU product has not solidified his starting spot. While it won’t be Robinson who takes over for him, it could be Risner down the line.
Related: Vikings Place Separate Injury Designations on TJ Hockenson and Stud UDFA Gabe Murphy
Cut down is now behind the Minnesota Vikings. Who they claim and how their practice squad fills out is up next.
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