The Minnesota Vikings are suddenly making room, and that usually means something is brewing.
After Sunday’s first loss to the Detroit Lions, the 6-1 Vikings are still sitting in a strong spot, but the offense remains a major question. Kevin O’Connell has stayed with Kyler Murray at quarterback, yet the possibility of changes around him is clearly still alive as the trade deadline approaches. Minnesota now turns its attention to the 6-1 Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, and the long week gives general manager Nolan Teasley extra time to work.
On Tuesday, the Vikings took a small but notable step by opening roster spots. They waived guard Trevor Keegan from the 53-man roster and released tight end Bryson Nesbit from the practice squad.
“The Vikings waived G Trevor Keegan - who they signed at the roster cutdown deadline before the season - and released TE Bryson Nesbit from the practice squad. Guard depth in an interesting spot. Only have third-rounder Caleb Tiernan.”
Keegan’s stint in Minnesota was brief. The Vikings claimed him off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys for guard depth, and he appeared in seven games before being let go. The move also drew attention because of his influencer girlfriend Hanna Cavinder, the former Miami Hurricanes basketball player.
The timing is what stands out most. Minnesota already has shaky guard depth, with Donovan Jackson out for the year and Will Fries struggling. That makes the decision to move on from Keegan even more interesting, especially with the deadline still a week away.
Beat writer Emily Leiker of the Star Tribune suggested the roster shuffle may not be random.
“Seem to be making roster space…”
For now, the Vikings have not made a trade or signed anyone, but the openings they created are worth watching. If Teasley uses those spots to bring in meaningful help, Minnesota could take another step toward looking like a real Super Bowl contender. What happens with those vacancies over the next couple of weeks will be one of the biggest stories to follow.
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Justin Jefferson's Frustration Should Worry The Vikings Offense
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What stands out now is less the box score than the mood around it. Jeffersons frustration appeared to be about the quality of the opportunities hes getting, which puts the spotlight on how the offense is being put together and how much better it needs to be from Kyler Murray and Kevin OConnell if Minnesota wants to keep its best playmaker engaged and productive. [Read more 🡒]