Who’s in? Who’s out? What could the Vikings’ final 53 in 2018 look like?

(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) Kyle Sloter
(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) Kyle Sloter
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball after intercepting Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter of the game on December 17, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kendricks scored a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) Eric Kendricks

Linebackers:

  • Locks: Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, Ben Gedeon, Eric Wilson
  • On the Bubble: Antwione Williams, Devante Downs, Rashard Cliett
  • Odd Men Out: Garrett Dooley, Brett Taylor
  • Note: Kentrell Brothers is also on the roster, but will be suspended for the first four games of the season. He does not count against the 53-man roster until he is activated.

Zimmer called out this group for its lack of depth a couple weeks ago, but things look fine heading into the final preseason game. It’s possible that Gedeon and Wilson will see snaps in Tennessee, but their jobs are likely safe.

The rest of the group may be fighting for one or two spots as Williams and Cliett have had their moments this preseason while Downs could be gunning for a special teams role.

One other item of note here is last week’s signing of George Iloka. The idea has been kicked around as possibly using a three-safety look at times, which could eliminate the need for an extra linebacker.

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