Minnesota Vikings sign linebacker Darnell Sankey; Waive Washington

The Minnesota Vikings added linebacker Darnell Sankey, allowing him to be on the same roster as his cousin Bishop and meet him for the first time!

Rick Spielman’s busy training camp continued this weekend. After inking Xavier Rhodes to a massive contract extension, Spielman shuffled his linebacker corps once again.

Days after adding undrafted rookie Noor Davis to the roster, the Minnesota Vikings announced the signing of Darnell Sankey at the expense of fellow outside linebacker Shaan Washington.

As you may have expected Darnell is the cousin of Vikings running back Bishop Sankey however the two had never met until they arrived in Mankato yesterday.

Sankey was an undrafted rookie out of Sacramento Sate in 2016 and bounced around the AFC West last season. After originally signing with the Denver Broncos Sankey failed to make the regular season roster and spent time on the practice squads of the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs. Hopefully Darnell managed to improve his abilities by learning from the best, with each team featuring a premier pass rusher in Miller, Mack and Houston.

Unfortunately for Shaan Washington, the undrafted rookie out of Texas A&M was the victim of necessity. Washington started training camp on the PUP list with a leg injury and after Kentrell Brothers suffered a suspected hamstring injury the Vikings sorely needed more healthy bodies at the position. Washington may still be part of the Vikings future plans, as reported by Chris Tomasson at the Pioneer Press;

"After being waived, Washington remained in Mankato and watched the Vikings practice Saturday afternoon. He said he expects to be placed on injured reserve after clearing waivers."

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Sankey is likely to face an uphill battle to make the 53 man roster but if he can prove his worth on special teams and take advantage of injuries at the position he may make the cut.