So far it has sounded like the defensive side of the ball is ahead during practice. That’s not exactly surprising considering how good Brian Flores’ front seven is. The evaluation period will continue for both sides of the ball though, and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made a roster tweak on Monday.

Nick Vannett joins MN Vikings tight end group

Just last week the Minnesota Vikings added more depth to the offensive line. Monday they subtracted a tackle to add tight end Nick Vannett.

The #Vikings have signed TE Nick Vannett and waived T Marcellus Johnson.

📰: https://t.co/8V7qOGE9Cp pic.twitter.com/f4zzVVvQ1M

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 4, 2025

Minnesota initially signed Marcellus Johnson to the practice squad last year. He was released and re-signed with the New York Giants before making his way back to the Vikings.

This will be Vannett’s 10th year in the NFL. He was originally a third-round pick way back in 2016. Last season he played in all 17 games (10 starts) for the Tennessee Titans. He caught 17 passes for 135 yards and a trio of touchdowns.

At 32 years old, Vannett is a grizzled veteran. If he appears on the field for the Vikings, they would represent his eighth different team. The three touchdowns last season matched a career-high he set with Seattle back in 2018.

Related: Punches Thrown at Minnesota Vikings Training Camp

Minnesota’s top tight end options are T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver. Beyond that there is uncertainty in the form of 2025 draft pick Gavin Bartholomew and undrafted free agent Ben Yurosek. That contingent, along with Vannett, is looking to replace since departed depth option Nick Muse.

Naturally, with one left tackle being ruled out, the Vikings have to find a solution for Darrisaw’s replacement in the starting lineup. The decision could involve sliding Blake Brandel back to tackle, opening up a starting spot for Dalton Risner at left guard. Yet, now another contestant has entered the fray.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Trade for Christian Darrisaw’s Replacement

Minnesota Vikings sign tackle Julian Pearl, make other roster moves

Like they’ve done several times this season, the Minnesota Vikings announced a flurry of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon.

This time, they’ve signed offensive tackle Julian Pearl to the practice squad. Pearl, 25, is an undrafted rookie out of Illinois who measures in at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens after being unpicked in the 2024 NFL Draft, but was later waived on August 27.

Pearl also drew interest from the XFL, with the Michigan Panthers making him the sixth overall pick in their respective draft process. Clearly, there are football minds out there who have high expectations for the young tackle, and now the Vikings are among that group. But we wouldn’t expect Pearl to see the field any time soon, knowing veteran David Quessenberry is still ahead of him on the depth chart.

Related: New J.J. McCarthy Injury Update Gives Insight into Vikings Plan, His Progress

In addition to getting Pearl on the practice squad, the Vikings also released running back Myles Gaskin from the active roster. He’s already been added back to the practice squad, which is a move they’ve made several times this season.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also made a few other changes to the practice squad, cutting bait with linebacker Dallas Gant and offensive tackle Marcellus Johnson. Both are undrafted rookies who haven’t played an NFL snap this season.

Related: Report: Minnesota Vikings Will Wait Another Week to Decide NFL Trade Deadline Plans