That’s what happens every year, as NFL front offices attempt to predict which of their depth players they can clear waivers and be snuck onto a practice squad vs those who will be claimed by opponents, for their 53-man roster.

And that brings us to Wednesday, where hundreds of NFL players are currently traveling through the waiver market. A few of the players who were cut yesterday have found their way to the MN Vikings practice squad already, and more names will continue to trickle in, as the day goes by.

Minnesota Vikings practice squad additions – 2025

Every NFL team is allotted 16 practice squad spots, along with one international exemption, which Minnesota plans to use on Australian punter, Oscar Chapman. Here are the players who have reportedly cleared waivers and plan to sign on the Vikings practice squad. As more names come out, they will be added.

It’s a bit surprising that Gabe Murphy cleared waivers, but the fact he did allows insight into why they decided to cut him on Tuesday. The preseason standout saw lots of reps with the first team during training camp, and until the past 48 hours — seemed like a lock to make the final roster. Now, we know why he didn’t

Taki Taimani clearing waivers is a bit surprising too. Like Murphy, he has already logged NFL snaps, during his UDFA rookie season. The Minnesota Vikings were high on him, coming into camp, but the additions of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen during the offseason, made him expendable.

Nonetheless, Brian Flores & the defensive coaching staff has to be pretty happy they’re getting all three of Murphy, Vaughn and Taimani back at TCO Performance Center.

Many roster moves are straightforward. Training camp bodies are brought in to compete during the preseason, but there is no real path to a roster spot. Not all of the moves work that way though, and sometimes players earn a surprising spot.

On the flip side, when someone takes a spot out of nowhere, it has a trickle down effect. The Vikings rostered a whopping seven undrafted free agents. These are the four most shocking names to miss the cut.

Gabriel Murphy, OLB

There are four players on this list, but none compare to the surprise cut that was Gabriel Murphy. He was a standout during training camp and the preseason last year. The undrafted free agent out of UCLA earned his way onto the field for a pair of games during the regular season as well.

This preseason Murphy racked up 1.5 sacks in limited action. He seemed like an edge rusher with the arrow pointing straight up. Then again, it’s a tough group to crack when Brian Flores boasts the best front seven in the league.

Gabriel Murphy (@GabrielMurphy_) with the cross chop/club. Clears the blocker & gets the sack. If you beat the hands, you beat the man! #PassRush #Skol pic.twitter.com/bHRuca0WBU

— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) August 9, 2025

Ultimately the Vikings opted to carry undrafted free agent Chaz Chambliss instead. The Georgia product probably has more impact on special teams and that could be the difference. Murphy won’t be unemployed long, and it would hardly be shocking if he put up some good starting numbers.

It wasn’t even as though Murphy was next in line either. Austin Keys, another undrafted rookie, made the time as a linebacker also.

Taki Taimani, DL

An undrafted rookie last season, Taimani saw time on defense for Minnesota. He played in seven games and recorded three tackles on 70 defensive snaps. It’s not that he was a fixture or even a rotational player, but development would have suggested another step forward this season.

Of course that interior line is not the same group this team employs. Harrison Phillips and those patchwork pieces behind him are gone. Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave are here to wreak havoc. Taimani found himself bested by the competition and now he’ll look to stick elsewhere.

Nick Vannett, TE

It’s not so much that Vannett wasn’t kept for Minnesota. He was a late training camp addition and came about because the tight end depth had hit a snag. Rookie Gavin Bartholomew is going to miss the season, and he was set to be the third option behind T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver.

Rather than just go with Vannett, who has nine years of experience under his belt, Minnesota opted for undrafted free agent Benjamin Yurosek. Last season Vannett was active for all 17 games with the Tennessee Titans and drew 10 starts. He’s had more than 200 yards receiving in a season just once during his career, but he keeps seeing opportunities.

#Vikings TE Ben Yurosek has been impressing so far 👀

(@Dust_Vikings)pic.twitter.com/f39X8sda8R

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) August 5, 2025

Yurosek, a Georgia product, had only 15 receptions for the Bulldogs last season. He turned them into 185 yards, but had just five career touchdowns in 48 collegiate games. This could be more of a special teams play as well.

Lucky Jackson, WR

When you have just five wide receivers make a roster, and only two of them are worthy of a starting role, it’s worth scrutinizing the position. Lucky Jackson wasn’t a surprise cut if you watched him fumble away the opportunity during the preseason. He was a surprise cut because a roster spot was his for the taking and he flopped.

Instead of Jackson, the Vikings will roll with undrafted free agent Myles Price, and uninspiring veteran Tim Jones. Price has utility as a returner and showed some nice chemistry with third string quarterback Max Brosmer. Jones played all 17 games each of the past three seasons for the Jaguars, but he has just 17 receptions to his credit.

Today's bad drop… Lucky Jackson with a perfectly thrown ball by J.J. McCarthy.pic.twitter.com/VQ9Bsyvu2L

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) August 14, 2025

Jackson could have been in line to push Jalen Nailor for reps at some point this season. Instead his untimely drops and uninspiring play left him on the unemployment line.

The Minnesota Vikings kick off their season on September 8 against the Chicago Bears. These surprise cuts will be looking to land deals elsewhere before then.

Plenty of emphasis will be placed upon how key offensive players like quarterback J.J. McCarthy and left tackle Christian Darrisaw look. Both are returning from injury and are key pieces if Kevin O’Connell’s team is going to compete.

Brian Flores is back to coach the defense though, and his unit can take another step forward. The front seven has been lauded as the best in the business, but there is opportunity for other names to earn some additional playing time.

Dallas Turner (22 years old) – Oustide Linebacker

The biggest and most prominent name on this list is 2024 first round pick Dallas Turner. Minnesota traded back up into the first round to grab the Alabama edge rusher. He played in 16 games for Brian Flores as a rookie, but he largely got lost in an otherwise impressive edge rushing rotation.

It’s unlikely that Turner is going to unseat either Jonathan Greenard (12.0 sacks) or Andrew Van Ginkel (11.5 sacks) this season. What he must do is take the next step forward and be an infinitely larger part of the defense.

Dallas Turner #Skol big year 2 otw pic.twitter.com/kqLt3NOAVc

— PassRushDiary🦅 (@PassRushDiary) July 15, 2025

Patrick Jones II had the third-most sacks for Minnesota last season with seven. He departed in free agency and Turner should be eyeing an opportunity to step up. Jones recorded 459 defensive snaps last season (46%) while Turner had just 300 (28%). There’s no reason he can’t convert more of his special teams usage into regular defensive rotations.

Related: MN Vikings Superstar Wide Receiver is Out of Action

There were plenty of points during his rookie campaign that questions arose regarding Turner being a bust. It was premature for that, but he’ll have to put together a strong camp if he wants to start separating in year two.

Dwight McGlothern (23 years old) – Cornerback

If there’s still a position to be weary of on the Minnesota Vikings roster it’s the cornerback position. Byron Murphy Jr. is back and Isaiah Rodgers is an upside play to replace Stephon Gilmore. Shaq Griffin is gone though, and there wasn’t an external replacement brought in.

The Vikings do get a healthy Mekhi Blackmon back after his season ending knee injury last year. It’s McGlothern though that could look to parlay his intriguing year one into more playing time.

Curious to see the jump #Vikings CB Dwight McGlothern Jr. makes here in season No. 2. pic.twitter.com/n9lRO7xm1B

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 17, 2025

McGlothern was a training camp darling after going undrafted out of Arkansas last year. Ultimately it led to action in just five games and he tallied only 19 defensive snaps. At 6’2″ 185 pounds, McGlothern has ideal size for the position. If he can harness the movements, coverages, and overall scheme there may be something special developing.

Related: 3 Underrated MN Vikings to Watch at Training Camp

Minnesota brought in veteran Jeff Okudah as a depth addition as well. He has failed to live up to his former third overall pick pedigree in three different stops now. If McGlothern wants to make a name for himself, there’s a guy to leapfrog.

Bo Richter (24 years old) – Outside Linebacker

Someone has to account for the snaps that are vacated by the Patrick Jones II departure. Ideally that would be Dallas Turner, but you can bet that Bo Richter isn’t going to hand it over easily.

Richter went undrafted out of Air Force last season but appeared in 14 games for the Minnesota Vikings. He made one start and recorded a fumble recovery. Although he didn’t grab a sack he had eight total tackles on just 29 defensive snaps.

Skor North’s Phil Mackey spoke high praise of both Richter and fellow undrafted talent Gabriel Murphy. He doesn’t see either of these two talents as just fun stories anymore.

"I think Bo Richter and Gabe Murphy are gonna ascend beyond the Mr. Mankato discussion and be meaningful, impactful players for the actual regular season defense."

– @PhilMackey has high expectations for Bo Richter and Gabe Murphy beyond #Vikings training camp. #SKOL pic.twitter.com/vDZUvQsrKX

— SKOR North – Minnesota Sports (@SKORNorth) July 21, 2025

“I think either Bo Richter or Gabe Murphy will finish above Dallas Turner, Andrew Van Ginkel, or Jonathan Greenard in edge rusher sacks for the Vikings this year. I legitimately think that one of these guys is going to break, it’s kind of a battle between the two of them for that fourth edge rusher spot…Based on their college pedigree, based on the things they showed their first camp a year ago, and based on the opening behind those three guys. Patrick Jones feasted. Patrick Jones had a bunch of sacks playing off of the other edge rushers. That spot is open for business and I think Bo Richter and Gabe Murphy are going to ascend beyond the Mr. Mankato watch list discussion and be meaningful, impactful players for the actual regular season defense.”

Phil Mackey – Skor North

Similar to McGlothern, Richter was a camp and preseason darling last season. He and fellow undrafted talent Murphy both oozed with tools that look like they can be developed. It will be interesting to see how the pairing comes out in year two, and how much of a step forward they have taken.

Taki Taimani (25 years old) – Nose Tackle

There has been nothing more noticeable on defense for the Vikings in recent seasons than their inability to control the interior line. That was addressed this offseason with the additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Harrison Phillips is also back to assume the nose tackle spot.

If there’s a guy that can try to work into that rotation though, or be there in case of injury, it’s Taki Taimani. He appeared in just seven games as a rookie and recorded only 70 defensive snaps. He spent the final ten games of the season on injured reserve. Each of the new additions come with injury concerns, and someone has to be ready.

Taimani is with the MN Vikings on a three-year deal and he is coming into camp with a clean bill of health. He has an uphill battle to climb with the talent in front of him, but he should separate from draft pick Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins or veteran Jalen Redmond.

Related: MN Vikings Front Seven Ranked… No. 1 in NFL?

The Vikings having a stout defensive front for the first time in what seems like forever is a great thing. They still need people to step up in rotation and reserve spots.

Late roster shuffling for Minnesota Vikings

All season the interior defensive linemen for the Minnesota Vikings have left something to be desired. The offensive line fails to get push and has struggled once closer to the goal line. The defensive line needs a run stuffing tackle. Undrafted tackle Taki Taimani has flashed at times, but was downgraded to out before the Rams contest.

The #Vikings have signed T Marcellus Johnson to the practice squad.

DL Taki Taimani has been downgraded to OUT and remains in his 21-day practice window.

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 13, 2025

Taimani has played seven games for the Minnesota Vikings this season but is currently on injured reserve with a designation to return. He has three tackles while playing 70 defensive snaps and contributing on special teams for 34 plays.

Taki Taimani does a great job of splitting the double team here for the TFL.

Redmond beats one to get in the backfield as well. pic.twitter.com/G9Co0gu37r

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 20, 2024

Brian Flores won’t have Taimani to rotate in during the wild card round. So tckle Marcellus Johnson joins the practice squad as a corresponding move. The 24-year-old went undrafted out of Missouri and has yet to see action in an NFL game.

Related: Kevin O’Connell Refuses to Reveal Which Vikings QBs Will be Active vs Rams

The only Minnesota Vikings consistent contributor out of action against the Rams is edge rusher Patrick Jones. After a dirty hit from since eliminated Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft, Jones was guaranteed to miss some time.

Minnesota is looking for a road win against Los Angeles, though the game is being played in Glendale, Arizona. A win would send them to Philadelphia for a showdown with the Eagles.

Related: Report: Harrison Smith Planning to Retire; Vikings to Re-Sign Young Talented DBs

It’s a playoff game that will have a very weird feel to it, especially inside State Farm Stadium. The crowd will probably have something close to a 50/50 split between Vikings fans and Rams fans, maybe 60/40 one way or another (I’d bet on slightly more Vikings fans).

Final Minnesota Vikings injury report vs Los Angeles Rams – Wildcard Round

But at the end of the day, this contest will be decided on the field, by the players of each team. And this deep into an NFL season, the final injury report is always worth keeping an eye on. But on Saturday afternoon, the Minnesota Vikings injury report didn’t reveal any surprise injuries.

Instead, we got another backup running back who is questionable to play because of a pop-up illness. On Friday, Ty Chandler landed on the injury report for the first time this week, with an illness. Now, one day later, Aaron Jones No. 1 replacement, Cam Akers, is questionable for an illness of his own.

Final #Vikings injury report

OUT: Pat Jones II

QUESTIONABLE: Cam Akers (illness) and Taki Taimani*

*Currently within 21-day practice window pic.twitter.com/Ae9fFyR8Dj

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 11, 2025

Cam Akers has played a pretty big part in the Minnesota Vikings offense, since November 3 vs the Colts, about three weeks after trading for him. In total, Akers has played 186 snaps for the purple, carrying the ball 64 times for 297 yards and one touchdown.

Related: LA Rams WR Charged with DUI Before Playoff Game vs Vikings

The 25-year-old back out of Florida State has also caught 10 passes (on 11 targets) for 52 yards receiving and 2 more touchdowns. Akers is a much better blocker than Ty Chandler, too. So without a doubt, it would hurt to lose Akers to a surprise illness. Thankfully, Kevin O’Connell told reporters that he is expected to go.

#Vikings injury report:

Pat Jones II is out; Cam Akers is questionable because of an illness. Kevin O’Connell said he expects Akers to be good to go.

Vikings will make a decision on Taki Taimani by tomorrow afternoon.

— Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) January 11, 2025

Other Minnesota Vikings injuries

In some good news, Taki Taimani, who has been on injured reserve since November 1 with an ankle injury, was the only other Minnesota Vikings player listed on Saturday’s final injury report. He had his 21-day practice window opened earlier this week and could be activated before Monday night’s game, if he is ready and the Vikings choose to do so.

Pat Jones will miss his second-straight game, after suffering a knee injury in week 17 vs the Green Bay Packers, with just eight defensive snaps under his belt. Jones played a crucial role, down the stretch, for the Vikings. He put up 6 QB hurries between weeks 13 and 16. PFF gave him an 80.4 defensive grade in his final full game vs Seahawks.

Minnesota Vikings seek the next UDFA contributor

A season ago the Minnesota Vikings grabbed Ivan Pace Jr. as an undrafted free agent. He quickly elevated himself to become among the best players on their defense. Pace Jr. will wear the green dot on defense this season. Kevin O’Connell would love to see more undrafted free agents step up.

On the same day that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah sent his first ever pick packing, his team is banking on some undrafted talents. All three UDFAs that made the Minnesota Vikings roster are on defense. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores clearly doesn’t care where, or if, a rookie was drafted.

• Dwight McGlothern – CB
• Taki Taimani – DL
• Gabriel Murphy – Edge
• *Levi Drake Rodriguez – DL (7th Rounder)

Of the UDFA trio, CB Dwight McGlothern and DL Taki Taimani are currently on the active roster. Gabriel Murphy is on short-term IR, but he’s expected back sooner, rather than later. We also had to include Levi Drake Rodriguez as a 7th round pick honorable mention.

The Vikings have a legitimate opportunity for all of these guys to earn reps in the 2024 preseason. Not only are there depth issues, which allowed these guys to make the roster, but Flores is known as a coach who will find snaps for you, if earned.

Related: Minnesota Vikings 53-Man Roster – 2024

The Vikings need help at the cornerback position and it’s why they prioritized Stephon Gilmore. Their interior defensive line could also use work, and it’s where they are expected to focus during the next draft.

Which UDFA contributes most for Minnesota Vikings?

Dwight McGlothern is the big body cornerback that the Vikings thought they had and grabbed in lost but not forgotten former Oregon Duck, Khyree Jackson. If the 22-year-old McGlothern can continue to rise to the NFL occasion, he could fit into the same type of role they saw Jackson in.

Dwight McGlothern's INT against the Browns. Ball was overthrown to the TE and McGlothern was able to recognize that, and go down and catch the ball. pic.twitter.com/OmlKR4S0gu

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 19, 2024

Neither Fabian Moreau or Akayleb Evans should be impossible to jump on the depth chart. In all reality, the Vikings kind of need their standout UDFA cornerback to live up to his preseason hype. Even after the Gilmore signing, depth is a problem at CB.

That’s not the only defensive position that lacks in that area. Minnesota’s depth on the defensive line is just as questionable. Harrison Phillips and Jonathan Bullard are the veterans. Jerry Tillery is a failed first round pick.

Related: Vikings Most Shocking Roster Cuts

After that, they will rely on 2024 7th rounder Live Drake Rodriguez and UDFA Taki Taimani. Both guys have a chance to earn a lot of regular season reps, if they can earn any trust from defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

Great play by Taki Taimani to split the double team and make the run defense tackle. James Lynch also held up well and got an assist. pic.twitter.com/0IbA34yxmO

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 19, 2024

Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may not have the best draft reputation, through three years on the job. But there is no doubt he and this coaching staff are starting to gain a reputation as one that can identify and develop underrated players at the bottom of yearly draft boards.

We’ll see if any of the above UDFAs (plus LDR) can prove themselves to be the next Ivan Pace Jr…

Let the UDFA rain down for the Minnesota Vikings

Say what you want about Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s draft prowess. He has missed in some big spots there. Undrafted free agents have become a focal point for the Minnesota Vikings since Ivan Pace Jr. became a star last season. The 2024 roster could certainly include another UDFA or two that turn heads. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis sees a few making the cut. The names Lewis has making the team are intriguing, and each has a well-reasoned explanation as to why.

• Tyrese Robinson (OL) – “How about Robinson, whom coaches have liked watching this preseason? Robinson is a bold pick here, but why not be bold?”
• Taki Taimani (IDL) – “If Robinson is the first bold pick of the projection, Taimani is the second. Last year, fifth-round pick Jaquelin Roy occupied the backup nose tackle spot. He has had a ho-hum camp this year, potentially opening a spot for Taimani”
• Gabriel Murphy (Edge) – “The Vikings can place two players on IR and designate them to where they don’t count against the 53-man roster. Murphy might be a candidate for this. The undrafted edge rusher from UCLA wowed coaches in the first few weeks of camp, then suffered an undisclosed injury and has not been present since. Cutting him could risk losing him, so this is the sensible approach.”
• Dwight McGlothern (CB) – “Parting with Evans also opens the door for McGlothern, who has displayed a knack for the ball all camp.”

If all four undrafted free agents make the Minnesota Vikings 53-man roster, that would be even with the amount of drafted rookies to be included. Adofo-Mensah has done a great job of identifying talent on the fringes, and each of these talents could make noise.

Related: New Name Emerging in Minnesota Vikings RG Battle?

Should any of the 2024 UDFA work out like Pace Jr. did, the Vikings will be ecstatic.

Which UDFA could contribute most for Minnesota Vikings?

The Minnesota Vikings will have plenty of opportunity for talent to step up. It’s not a surprise that three of the four aforementioned names play on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores needs his group to take another step forward this season and there are positions that present openings.

Tyrese Robinson and Michael Jurgens create a wide hole for Myles Gaskin to run through, and he hits it hard, well before the LB is able to get to him and into the second level of the defense. pic.twitter.com/b4oa1gtMAi

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 21, 2024

Blake Brandel is starting at guard for the first time in his career. Dalton Risner signed to challenge both Brandel and Ed Ingram, but he hasn’t been healthy. Ingram has remained a problem, and the guard spot could need a jolt. If that winds up being the case, Robinson may force his way into actions.

Tragedy took away Khyree Jackson before his career could get started. His physical traits were something that excited coaches, and that remains true for Dwight McGlothern. He’s currently deep on the depth chart out of the gate. He can definitely factor in down the stretch. Taimani plays a spot that Minnesota needs to be better at as well, so showing out will get him noticed.

Dwight McGlothern's INT against the Browns. Ball was overthrown to the TE and McGlothern was able to recognize that, and go down and catch the ball. pic.twitter.com/OmlKR4S0gu

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 19, 2024

Minnesota’s edge rushing group has been turned over since last season. Murphy is an exciting prospect, but he hasn’t been healthy. A late start behind Johnathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner makes his chances a serious uphill battle.

Related: Another UDFA Could Reportedly Sneak onto Minnesota Vikings’ Final Roster

No matter what, the Vikings getting contributions from UDFA’s again this year would be great to see.

Minnesota Vikings have had luck with UDFA

Of course the goal for any organization is to nail each draft pick during any given cycle. The Minnesota Vikings have scuffled a bit in that regard with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as the general manager. They have found some nice diamonds in the rough when grabbing undrafted free agents though. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis thinks another could squeak onto the roster.

“Last year, fifth-round pick Jaquelin Roy occupied the backup nose tackle spot behind Harrison Phillips. Roy is in the mix again this year, and it’s always possible Flores tries to cover his bases at the spot with versatility. That said, if the Vikings opt for a more creative route, they could keep a player like Taimani who has been stout against the run throughout the preseason. He arrived as an undrafted signee from Oregon, but Flores often says draft position doesn’t matter once a player enters the building. Taimani could be a sneaky 53-man option.“

Alec Lewis on the possibility of Taki Taimani making the Vikings roster (The Athletic)

Taimani transferred to Oregon after four years with the Washington Huskies. The former Ducks defensive lineman stuffed the middle in a big way last season. With 22 tackles, Taimani also recorded 1.5 behind the line of scrimmage. Minnesota needs answers in the middle of the defensive line, and the preseason standout could provide one.

Related: Vikings Defense Dominated Browns This Week?

The Vikings would need to opt against keeping their 2023 fifth rounder to roster Taimani, but it’s a possibility. Landing a roster spot in the wake of former Ducks teammate Khyree Jackson’s tragedy would be a heartwarming occurence.

Interior line remains a question for Brian Flores

If you were to bet on the Minnesota Vikings first round pick in 2025 right now, throwing all the money on an interior defensive lineman makes sense. Brian Flores still doesn’t have a great answer at the position. That’s certainly a spot for the defense to improve.

Taki Taimani with great screen recognition for a TFL. pic.twitter.com/yQZ3gsCC1A

— Matt Fries (@FriesFootball) August 20, 2024

Harrison Phillips will start their for Minnesota, but there is room for others to step up. It remains to be seen if Taimani can force his way onto the roster. Whoever operates in the back-up role can push for additional playing time by being a consistent force.

The Minnesota Vikings defense took strides forward in their first season under Flores. Seeing that continue, and be expanded upon in year two, is a must. Sam Darnold and the offense will need to find their groove, but they can’t constantly be chasing deficits.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Insider Reveals Why Stephon Gilmore Chose Them Over Other Teams

Minnesota opens up the regular season against the New York Giants on September 8th.