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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.

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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.

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