The Minnesota Vikings utilized first-hand knowledge in constructing their practice squad, with each member of the 17-player unit a returner from the training camp roster.
The expanded practice squad rules make for plenty of interesting decisions and varying roles.
Here are the five most intriguing practice squad signings for the Vikings.
5 Vikings Practice Squad Signings To Know
Andre Carter II, EDGE
Andre Carter II had two sacks, including a strip sack, in the preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. But this isn’t a case of a largely unknown player having anecdotal success.
Carter II made the Vikings’ roster last year as an undrafted prospect out of Army and played in 12 games.
After an impressive offseason and even more impressive training camp plus preseason, many expected Carter II to make the roster once again in 2024. Once he was among the Vikings’ cuts on Tuesday, it was expected another team would sign him to their roster.
In the end, Carter II winds up back in Minnesota on the practice squad. It’s a win for the Vikings, who keep a talented player in their building but don’t have to use a valuable active roster spot on him.
Myles Gaskin, Running Back
A seventh-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2019, Myles Gaskin spent four seasons down south before splitting the 2023 season between the Vikings’ and Los Angeles Rams’ active rosters and practice squads.
Gaskin will begin the 2024 season on the Vikings’ practice squad, but he’s sure to bounce between the active roster and the practice squad once again. In Gaskin, the Vikings have an experienced veteran who can help on special teams in addition to his role as a running back on offense.
After rushing for 128 yards this preseason, it wouldn’t have been a surprise to see Gaskin make the 53-man roster in addition to, or over, No. 2 running back Ty Chandler.
Bo Richter, EDGE
Another edge rusher who impressed in training camp and the preseason, Bo Richter, was one of the fan favorites in Minnesota this summer.
If Carter II didn’t crack the 53-man roster, you know Richter was on the outside looking in. But as is the case with Carter II, the Vikings were able to secure Richter with a practice squad spot rather than using an active roster spot on him.
With Carter II and Richter on the practice squad, plus Gabriel Murphy on the short-term injured reserve list, the Vikings have an impressive stash of developmental pass rushers behind the primary trio of Andrew Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard, and Dallas Turner.
Tyrese Robinson, Offensive Guard
At one point, it appeared as if Tyrese Robinson was on the way to earning a spot on the 53-man roster. He was a surprise starter at left guard in Week 2 of the preseason and played every snap. Then in Week 3 of the preseason, Robinson started at right guard.
That kind of versatility is valuable for NFL teams as they build out their rosters. That kind of preseason production, in addition to versatility, could easily have led to another team scooping Robinson up before the Vikings could add him to the practice squad.
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But the Vikings were able to retain the services of Robinson by adding him to their practice squad for the second consecutive season. Don’t be surprised if Robinson is one who splits time between the active roster and the practice squad during the regular season.
Nahshon Wright, Cornerback
The Vikings acquired Nahshon Wright from the Dallas Cowboys during training camp in exchange for Andrew Booth Jr.
Perhaps both teams figured a fresh start for their respective underperforming cornerback would do the trick.
Booth Jr. made the team in Dallas. Wright made the practice squad in Minnesota. So it’s a win-win for the Cowboys and Vikings.
At 6’4″, 200 pounds, and only 25 years old, you can’t blame the Vikings for being intrigued by Wright’s profile and pedigree. They probably didn’t have enough time to evaluate and consider him for a coveted spot on the active roster, but that’s part of why the NFL has a practice squad.
Wright is a player to watch on Brian Flores’ young defense.
