The Minnesota Vikings have shuffled their roster a bit during the bye week, making an announcement on their latest move to sign veteran tight end Nick Vannett to their practice squad on Thursday.
Vannett, 32, is in his first season with the Vikings, and signed in August before training camp opened. The Vikings cut Vannett on Monday, October 6, as they entered their bye week.
Vannett’s return adds experience to the back end of the Vikings’ roster.
Vikings TE Gets Boost From ‘Baby Gronk’ Nick Vannett
GettyNick Vannett #84 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball against Calen Bullock #21 of the Houston Texans.
Vannett was the No. 94 overall pick of the 2016 draft by the Seattle Seahawks, and he spent the first three-plus seasons of his career there before his circuitous journey brought him to the Vikings this past summer.
He has played in three games this season, but has not caught a pass. He has logged four offensive snaps, per Pro Football Reference.
“The #Vikings have signed TE Nick Vannett to the practice squad,” the Vikings posted on X.
Vannett has 108 receptions for 1,012 yards and 9 touchdowns in his career. He has also played for the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tennessee Titans.
Nicknamed “Baby Gronk” in comparison to legendary TE Rob Gronkowski, Vannett rejoins a Vikings TE room featuring two-time Pro Bowl T.J. Hockenson and top backup Josh Oliver.
Vannett was not the only player with whom the Vikings reunited this week, either.
Vikings Shuffle Practice Squad OL
GettyMatt Waletzko #79 of the Dallas Cowboys pass protects against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Vannett is not the only veteran player the Vikings have pulled an about-face on this week as they plan for their Week 7 return, when they will host the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
The Vikings also re-signed former undrafted free agent offensive lineman Vershon Lee, adding him to the practice squad on Wednesday.
“The #Vikings have signed G Vershon Lee to the practice squad,” the social media team posted.
Lee appeared in the Vikings’ win over the Cleveland Browns, playing all four of his snaps during the game on special teams. The Vikings initially announced they parted ways with Lee and Vannett in the same social media post, waving the former and releasing the latter.
The Vikings announced that they released former Dallas Cowboys fifth-round pick Matt Waletzko from their practice squad on Tuesday, keeping a spot available for Lee.
Vikings Bye Week Comes at Fitting Time
GettyMinnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on the field during a game against the Chicago Bears.
Lee and Vannett staying with the Vikings are only two of the situations that require attention amid the bye week. The Vikings’ injury report entering the bye included four starting offensive linemen, one of whom, center Ryan Kelly, is on injured reserve.
Most notably, Vikings starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy could make his return from an ankle injury that has cost him the past three games.
The Vikings turned to Carson Wentz, who played well in McCarthy’s stead.
Lee and Vannett may not see the field often or even get another call-up to the Vikings’ active roster for the rest of the season, given their backup status. But McCarthy is expected to resume his QB1 role once he is cleared.
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