Which Minnesota Vikings players managed to cling onto their roster spots in 2022?
It was a dramatic day of final cuts for the Minnesota Vikings. The new regime was ruthless, with many surprising releases and inclusions after players staked their respective claims in camp and during preseason games.
Whether this is enough for the Vikings to make a postseason return in 2022 remains to be seen. There is enough talent across the board to give the Green Bay Packers a run for their money, but Minnesota’s established stars must stay healthy in pursuit of progression.
More than a few eyebrows were raised throughout Tuesday’s finalization of the 53-man roster. This was swiftly followed by the confusing acquisition of Jalen Reagor, the man chosen by the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of Justin Jefferson in the 2020 NFL Draft.
With this in mind, here are four Vikings players who managed to beat the odds and clung to their roster spots in 2022.
Player No. 1
Ben Ellefson – TE
The tight end position is almost entirely dependent on Irv Smith Jr. staying healthy. Something that remains in doubt after a stop-start summer for the Alabama product.
There doesn’t appear to be much in the way of depth behind Smith. However, the former second-round selection’s questionable recent injury history meant the Vikings had no choice other than to take three tight ends onto the team.
This worked out extremely well for Ben Ellefson, who gained just one target in 2021 before going to injured/reserve after just five games.