Minnesota Vikings sign OT Sean Hickey and LB Jason Whittingham

Oct 3, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange offensive tackle Sean Hickey (60) makes a block on a Louisville Cardinals defender during the second quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won the game 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange offensive tackle Sean Hickey (60) makes a block on a Louisville Cardinals defender during the second quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Louisville won the game 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings have signed offensive tackle Sean Hickey and linebacker Jason Whittingham to their roster, which now stands at a total of 89 players.

Training camp is right around the corner for the Minnesota Vikings. Following the retirement of offensive tackle Phil Loadholt and placing B.J. Dubose on injure reserve, there were some openings on the roster to sign some new players.

Related Story: Phil Loadholt retires from NFL

According to 1500ESPN.com, two of the three available spots have been filled. The two individuals added to the Minnesota Vikings roster for training camp are offensive tackle Sean Hickey and linebacker Jason Whittingham.

Whittingham signs with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent. During his time at Utah, he took some time following his schooling to go on a Mormon mission and has returned to play in the NFL. Now, at 26 years old, the 6’2″ linebacker will look to show that he can contribute to a team in the NFL, as this may be the first opportunity many teams will have to take a real look at him.

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On the other hand, Hickey is a second year players who spent last year with the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots on their practice squads. Then he signed a futures contract with the New York Jets before they released him in May.

Standing 6’6″ tall and weighing in at 306 pounds, 24 year old Sean Hickey was a pretty solid player with the Syracuse Orange who can play on both the left and right tackle spots. Considering the retirement of Phil Loadholt and the question of whether or not T.J. Clemmings can be a solid backup at left tackle, a guy like Hickey could have a solid chance at making the practice squad or maybe even sneaking onto the main roster.

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Congratulations to offensive tackle Sean Hickey and linebacker Jason Whittingham on joining the Minnesota Vikings this season. It will be interesting to see them during training camp and the preseason to see if they can impress the team enough to earn a longer look into their potential and fit with the squad.

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