Minnesota Vikings Cut Bait with TE, Promote RB to Active Roster

The Minnesota Vikings do not have a game this week after returning from a long flight from London after getting New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh fired. But just because Kevin O’Connell isn’t getting his team ready for a game on Sunday doesn’t mean general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah isn’t busy making changes to the Vikings’ roster.

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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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