Minnesota Vikings cut veterans Myles Gaskin and Jake McQuaide

Instead, all we saw from the Vikings this afternoon was movement on the practice squad. After the signing of Daniel Jones, and what appears to be the imminent activation of 37-year-old Pro Bowl long-snapper Andrew DePaola, Minnesota released veteran running back Myles Gaskin and waived replacement long snapper Jake McQuaide from the team’s practice squad.

The #Vikings have waived LS Jake McQuaide and released RB Myles Gaskin from the practice squad.

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 3, 2024

Myles Gaskin as active for five Minnesota Vikings games this season, but only saw the field for six total snaps on offense. In those very limited snaps, the 27-year old former 7th round pick got just three carries (-1 yard rushing). He also caught one pass for 11 yards.

Related: Where Will John Parker Romo Land When He is Kicked to the Curb by Vikings?

Most of Gaskin’s time on the field in purple came on special teams, where he totaled 85 snaps, mixed between both punt and field goal coverage/return. The longtime Miami Dolphin, who was drafted out of Washington in 2019 did not record a tackle, according to PFF, where he carried a 59.8 special teams grade.

Andrew DePaola likely to be active vs Atlanta Falcons

Jake McQuaide ‘waives’ goodbye, after four games with the Minnesota Vikings. The 12-year NFL veteran snappped the ball 33 times, and never stood out for causing a special teams mess. His 48.8 PFF grade, however, was his lowest since 2015. With McQuaide’s release, the assumption is that Andrew DePaola will be active on Sunday vs the Atlanta Falcons.

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

Related: Biggest Minnesota Vikings Winners and Losers Thru Week 5: Who Sticks Out So Far?

Minnesota Vikings release Robert Tonyan Jr, sign Myles Gaskin to active roster

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings announced that they’ve released tight end Robert Tonyan Jr from the active roster. In a corresponding move, the Vikings have signed running back Myles Gaskin from their practice squad to the active roster. Gaskin is expected to fill the third running back role against the Lions in Week 7, however he could have an even bigger role on the table.

Aaron Jones has officially been labeled as “week to week,” meaning he may not be able to play in the Vikings’ next game. If the Vikings’ Pro Bowl back isn’t available, Gaskin would presumably be the RB2 against the Lions, spelling Ty Chandler when needed.

As for Tonyan, he’s not as much of a priority with T.J. Hockenson coming closer to making his 2024 season debut. Once Hockenson returns, Tonyan will become the fourth tight end in the hierarchy, which could permanently leave him on the practice squad. Not to mention, Nick Muse is expected back from injured reserve later this season, which could make Tonyan expendable altogether.

The Vikings also have international pathway program player Sammis Reyes on their practice squad, plus former Patriots first-round pick N’Keal Harry.

If Jones is set to miss an extended amount of time or is even in danger of missing Minnesota’s Week 7 matchup against Detroit, don’t be surprised if another running back is brought on board. The only other tailback in the organization is second-year pro Zavier Scott, who’s on the practice squad but has never played in a regular season game.

Related: NFL Insider Still Needs to See More From Minnesota Vikings

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.

Related: 4 Stats to Know for Jets vs Vikings Matchup in London, Analyzing Impact

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.

Related: 4 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Vikings’ Week 5 Matchup vs Jets

Minnesota Vikings release Myles Gaskin, sign Robert Tonyan to active roster

On Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings announced that they’ve released running back Myles Gaskin from the active roster. In a corresponding move, the Vikings have signed Robert Tonyan Jr, from their practice squad to the active roster. Tonyan is expected to fill the third tight end role on Sunday, spelling Josh Oliver and Josh Mundt.

The #Vikings have signed TE Robert Tonyan to the active roster and released RB Myles Gaskin. pic.twitter.com/mpmIenFj8c

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 3, 2024

Since the move leaves the Vikings with just two running backs on the 53-man roster, expectations are that Gaskin will return to the team in some capacity, likely on the practice squad. In that scenario, he’d simply be swapping places with Tonyan. The Vikings also have running back Zavier Scott on the practice squad, though the second-year undrafted pro has never appeared in an NFL game.

T.J. Hockenson’s practice window was opened on Wednesday. However, he won’t be playing on Sunday. He’ll have 21 days to get up to full speed, and the Vikings can activate him to the roster at any point. Yet, Tonyan’s promotion to the active roster suggests it could be another week or two before the Vikings’ Pro Bowl tight end returns.

With a bye coming up after the Jets, Hockenson could be targeting a return for Sunday, October 6, in a revenge matchup versus the Detroit Lions.

Related: 4 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Gophers’ Matchup vs USC Trojans

Nick Muse placed on short-term IR by Minnesota Vikings

Kevin O’Connell currently has three active tight ends on the 53-man roster. Well, at least he did until Nick Muse fractured his hand on Sunday. Now only Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt remain for Minnesota.

Kevin O’Connell said Nick Muse was placed on short-term IR with a fracture in his hand. He still recovered the onside kick with a broken hand. “File that under ‘situational masters/play style,’” O’Connell said.

The #Vikings are putting Myles Gaskin on the active roster.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) September 18, 2024

Muse suffered the fracture Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Trailing 23-17 with seconds ticking away, Kyle Shanahan announced his intention to try an onside kick. New rules stipulate a different set of parameters for the onside kick in 2024. They come alongside the new kickoff rules:

• 4th quarter begins, the team trailing has the opportunity to declare an onside kick to the officials
• Current onside kickoff rules would apply. If onside kick goes beyond the setup zone untouched, kicking team penalized for UNS; return team would start the drive at the A20 yard line

Of course recovering an onside kick is never easy. The Vikings had the benefit of being told it was coming, and Muse was able to hop on it. Despite the pain he was dealing with in his hand, the play sealed a victory for the Vikings.

Related: PFF Falling in Love with Minnesota Vikings After Week 2

Through the first two weeks Muse has played just three offensive snaps while being on the field 19 times for special teams plays.

Myles Gaskin hits the Vikings active roster

The Vikings entered the regular season with just two running backs on the 53-man roster. Aaron Jones came over to be the lead back with Ty Chandler as a high-quality backup. Each of the first two weeks Myles Gaskin was elevated from the practice squad to join them. Now he’s a member of the active roster as well.

Trent Sherfield's blocking at the end of this Myles Gaskin run is a good example of why I think the Vikings keep six wide receivers.

(Nice rep from N'Keal Harry, too). pic.twitter.com/zGXhkctwfk

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 26, 2024

Players are only allowed to be elevated from the practice squad three times before being exposed to waivers. This would have already been Gaskin’s last elevation, so he gets added early instead. Gaskin has just a single carry for negative three yards this year. He has returned a pair of kicks however.

Related: Familiar Running Back in Line to Start for Texans vs Minnesota Vikings

It remains unlikely that Gaskin will see his offensive role expand. He remains available for kickoffs and can contribute on special teams.

Myles Gaskin is back for the Minnesota Vikings, Jonah Williams joins him

Just like last week, Gaskin is one of two players being elevated from Minnesota’s practice squad. Last week, it was safety Bobby McCain who joined him. This time around, it will be defensive lineman Jonah Williams.

The #Vikings have elevated RB Myles Gaskin and DL Jonah Williams to the active roster for tomorrow's game.

📰: https://t.co/j6SSJeDxYH pic.twitter.com/sqfPVvooep

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 14, 2024

After being activated last week, Gaskin served as the third running back, behind both Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler. He ended up with one touch, on offense, in a 28-6 route of the New York Giants. His lone rushing attempt went for negative three yards…

Related: Latest Minnesota Vikings Injury Update Brings Mostly Good News

In total, Gaskin’s presence was more felt on special teams. He played just two offenses snaps while getting in for five on special teams. There were rumbling about the former Dolphins running back working as a kick returner for the Vikings. Minnesota jettisoned Kene Nwangwu when rosters were trimmed down.

Trent Sherfield's blocking at the end of this Myles Gaskin run is a good example of why I think the Vikings keep six wide receivers.

(Nice rep from N'Keal Harry, too). pic.twitter.com/zGXhkctwfk

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 26, 2024

McCain played three defensive snaps, after getting the call-up in week one. He give up a reception, and 12 yards on special teams. Jonah Williams signed as a free agent, in the offseason, and will be active for the first time.

The former Rams edge rusher started 16 of 17 games last year for Los Angeles. He recorded a pair of sacks and had four quarterback hits. The edge position stood out last week between Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. Williams could rotate in to give the group a blow.

Related: How Do the Minnesota Vikings Beat the San Francisco 49ers?

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.

Vikings are waiving former first-round draft pick Jalen Reagor, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2023

Jalen departs from the Vikings with a total of 8 receptions on 13 targets. He piled up 104 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, in his 17 games wearing the purple #5. Reminder, for those who live under a rock, Jalen Reagor was picked by the Philadelphia Eagles one slot (#21 overall) ahead of where Rick Spielman & Co drafted Justin Jefferson, back in 2020.

Taking Reagor’s spot on the 53-man roster will be former Miami Dolphins running back, Myles Gaskin, a 26-year-old veteran who has four years of experience under his belt. Gaskin has ran for 1,355 yards and 7 touchdowns in his career, with a 3.8 YPC average and will serve as depth behind Vikings RB1, Alexander Mattison.

RB Myles Gaskin, released yesterday by the Dolphins, is signing today with the Vikings active roster, per source. Agents Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha confirmed the deal with Minnesota, where Gaskin now will be reuniting with his former HC Brian Flores, the Vikings’ DC.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2023

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan