But this weekend, Tonyan was already on the active roster and the Vikings are elevating RB Myles Gaskin and S Bobby McCain over Richter. Gaskin was recently waived from the 53-man roster, and replaced by Tonyan.

Minnesota Vikings elevate Myles Gaskin and Bobby McCain from practice squad

So the running back and tight end have essentially swapped spots on the active game day roster, but both have had active statuses the last three weeks. In fact, Gaskin has found his way to the game day roster for every Minnesota Vikings game of the season

The #Vikings have elevated RB Myles Gaskin and S Bobby McCain to the active roster for tomorrow’s game. pic.twitter.com/AMGDKDbJRf

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 5, 2024

This isn’t Bobby McCain’s first Sunday activation of the season either. He was elevated from the practice squad for week one vs the New York Giants, alongside Gaskin. That’s right, this is the second time this same Minnesota Vikings duo has been elevated together, so far this season

Related: Local Beat Writer Predictions: Jets vs. Vikings

While Gaskin and McCain have each seen regular season action in 2024, neither guy has been involved much, outside of special teams. And even those appearances have been few and far between.

What PFF grades and snap counts say about Gaskin and McCain this season

According to PFF, Myles Gaskin has 20 special teams snaps (59.1 grade) under his belt so far this season. 14 of them have been as a kick returner. Compare that with just one offensive snap, a -3 yard carry in week one vs the Giants.

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That same week, Bobby McCain got 12 special team snaps (61.6 grade). He also got three snaps on defense. Unfortunately for him, he had to wait three weeks to get another elevation. But now, in week 5 all the way across the pond, he’ll get another opportunity to make an impact.

Myles Gaskin to get special teams work for the Minnesota Vikings

Kevin O’Connell will show off Aaron Jones as his new leading running back on Sunday. Ty Chandler emerged as a starting option for the Minnesota Vikings last year and will operate as a quality backup. Minnesota elevated Myles Gaskin off the practice squad. Special teams will be his greatest chance to shine in the early going.

Vikings elevated RB Myles Gaskin and S Bobby McCain to the active roster for Sunday’s game vs. the Giants.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2024

Chandler will work as a kick returner for Minnesota, and that’s something of a surprising decision given his status on the roster. Any injury to Chandler would leave the Vikings incredibly thin. Gaskin previously worked as a starting running back. At this point he is better as a depth option. He too could return kicks for Minnesota and will be closely monitored by coach Matt Daniels.

What a hit by Bobby McCain:

(@WillRagatz) pic.twitter.com/GHKQ0mWnsz

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 10, 2024

Related: Minnesota Vikings Name Surprise Starting Kick Returner

Along with Gaskin, safety Bobby McCain has been elevated to the active roster. The veteran has played in 131 games across his career and had some impressive moments during the preseason. He too should factor into special teams action. The Vikings safety position is headed by Harrison Smith, Cam Bynum, and Josh Metellus.

While there were several cornerbacks available, including a few Pro Bowl options, the Vikings have instead decided to sign a hybrid who has ties to Brian Flores. Let’s break down the latest Vikings transaction.

Related: 5 Bold Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Predictions, Including Lewis Cine’s Fate

Vikings sign Bobby McCain, release John Parker Romo

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Minnesota Vikings have signed Bobby McCain. Like a few other defenders in Minnesota’s secondary, he’s a mix between a cornerback and safety. According to Kevin Seifert, McCain is expected to begin his time with the Vikings as a safety. For now.

McCain, 30, spent last season with the New York Giants. But most of his playing time came on special teams, where he saw 119 snaps, compared to just 19 on defense. However, McCain has been in the NFL since 2015, bouncing around from the Miami Dolphins to the Washington Commanders, Giants, and now the Vikings.

During his time in Miami, McCain crossed paths with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who may have been involved in his signing. When Flores was with the Dolphins, he also had McCain playing safety. He ended up starting 23 games in the two years when Flores coached him, where he recorded 58 tackles and three interceptions.

The #Vikings are signing former #Dolphins, #Commanders, and #Giants FA CB Bobby McCain, reuniting him with DC Brian Flores.

💥2023: 19 snaps (49.0 @PFF grade)
💥2022: 970 snaps (61.4 @PFF grade)
💥2021: 1,031 snaps (70.9 @PFF grade)

McCain overlapped with Flores in 2019-2020. pic.twitter.com/GmFEq30tAE

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) July 29, 2024

Since they needed an open roster spot to address their lack of depth in the secondary to sign McCain, the Vikings released kicker John Parker Romo, who was signed out of the XFL. This likely means rookie sixth-round pick Will Reichard has won the Vikings’ kicking job. The Alabama kicker went 5/5 on his kicks during Saturday’s practice, which may have helped convince the Vikings he’s the right man for the job.

Related: 6 Vikings Training Camp Battles that Matter in 2024