Vikings Release Pat Elflein

Photo: Jeffrey Becker - USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly released Pat Elflein, “to help him some opportunity at real playing time elsewhere.” What is happening? Elflein was just activated off of injured reserve on Friday.



The Vikings selected Elflein out of Ohio State, in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was a 1st-team Big Ten selection 3 times and won the Rimington/Pace Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year Award in 2016. The Minnesota staff trusted him enough to start 42 of his 43 games in purple and gold.

This move will blow some minds around the state. Pat hasn’t been what the Vikings had hoped he would be, when he was drafted, but to cut him from a team that is always hungry for offensive line talent/depth, just seems ludicrous on its face. I guess we’ll have to wait and see what else comes out.

Update: 2:22 PM

This report (including a Mike Zimmer quote) is via Chris Tomasson at the St.Paul Pioneer Press (TwinCities.com) and shows that the Minnesota Vikings had clearly given up on Pat Elflein.


A source said the decision to go with Cleveland played a key role in cutting Elflein, who did not factor in the team’s future.

“We just felt like we had some better options,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said of the move. “It’s always tough. These guys come in and compete and work real hard. Sometimes you just have to make those decisions.”


Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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