Saturday, September 4, 2010

Vikings announce cuts

The Vikings have announced their full cuts to get down to the 53-man roster. With the trade of Sage Rosenfels and Darius Reynaud, the Vikings needed to cut 20 players today. They announced them shortly before 5 p.m.

CUT LIST
FB Ryan D’Imperio: Is an ideal candidate for the practice squad with athleticism but raw skills as he makes the transition from linebacker to fullback.

DT Tremaine Johnson: He was trying to make it at a very deep position for the Vikings.

CB Marcus Sherels: Size matters at cornerback and Sherels lacked it. He flashed at time, but was also beaten at times.

CB DeAndre Wright: Had a decent preseason, but the numbers weren’t in his favor.

RB Ian Johnson: Didn’t stand much of a chance to make the 53-man. Might be considered for the practice squad again.

WR Freddie Brown: He was just a camp body from the time he was called into Mankato.

G Thomas Austin: He might be able to start his pursuit of the ministry early, if he isn’t the running for a practice-squad spot.

TE Garrett Mills: His inability to stay healthy has ultimately cost him. Flashy pass catcher, but undersized blocker.

T Chris Clark: His very obvious pass-protecting troubles early in the preseason came back to bite him.

DE Mike Montgomery: Signed in the offseason from the Packers, he never got past the third unit on the depth chart and it was obvious he wasn't going to make the team.

G Adrian Battles: A long shot from the start, since the Vikings drafted Chris DeGeare to be the primary backup at guard and replacement for the departed Artis Hicks, who signed with the Redskins in the offseason.

WR Logan Payne: He caught everything in sight in training camp, but a rib injury sidelined him the last week-plus -- opening the door for veterans Greg Camarillo and Javon Walker to jump past him on the depth chart. Don't be surprised if he's signed to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

PK Rhys Lloyd: He was given a $200,000 signing bonus, which led many to believe he would make the team. But lack of consistent deep kickoffs cost him a roster spot.

WR Javon Walker: Had the Vikings kept Walker on the roster, his entire 2010 salary would be guaranteed. Don't be surprised if he gets re-signed so the team can have the flexibility to release him again when Sidney Rice comes back at midseason.

OT Drew Radovich: Not a huge surprise, since he's been cut each of the last three seasons after Vikings training camp.

S Colt Anderson: He seems like an ideal candidate to bring back on the practice squad.

WR Taye Biddle: Even with a receiving corps depleted by injuries, he didn't show quite enough to make it.

T Patrick Brown: The Vikings opted to keep Ryan Cook over Brown. Cook has a little more versatility, but Brown could be a practice squad guy again.

WR Marquis Hamilton: He was probably one of the easier decisions. Despite relative consistency, he didn't flash often enough.

LB Nate Triplett: If the former Gopher comes back on the practice squad, it will be because of special-teams promise.

The Vikings didn't make any announcement yet about the status of CB Cedric Griffin, so he may be ready to start practicing Sunday and would be eligible to play if that's the case.

The Vikings can start forming their eight-man practice squad Sunday afternoon, but it wouldn't be surprising to continue shaping the 53-man. Surprising cut are Jevon Walker and Logan Payne but nothing is ever definite in Minnesota is it now?!