Minnesota Vikings: Handful of tough roster decisions remain
By Dan Zinski
Aug 15, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings fullback Zach Line (48) catches a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the preseason NFL football game at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Zimmer made ripples a couple weeks back when he said in a press conference that it was not “critical” for the Vikings to have a true fullback on the roster. Was this just a motivational ploy? Perhaps.
The Vikings have employed their true fullbacks enough this preseason that there’s good reason to believe they will keep one. Zach Line should be the man they pick with UDFA Blake Renaud as a solid bet to make the practice squad.
The real question is how many tight ends the Vikings will keep if they see fit to retain a true fullback.
Kyle Rudolph, MyCole Pruitt and Rhett Ellison would figure to be safe no matter what, with Chase Ford on the bubble waiting to see if the Vikings keep three or four tight ends. Ford has looked good this preseason and would be a tough guy to cut.
The thinking for some people is that the Vikings could keep four tight ends and employ Ellison as a fullback. Matt Asiata is also someone who is mentioned as a potential fullback option.