Vikings cut veteran running back for second time this month
By Adam Patrick
Shortly before the start of the 2023 regular season, the Minnesota Vikings decided to add former Miami Dolphins running back Myles Gaskin to their roster.
Gaskin was released by the Dolphins as part of their final cuts this year after spending the last four seasons with the franchise. The Vikings quickly picked him up with the hope that he could add some more experience to their running back room behind Alexander Mattison.
Unfortunately for Gaskin, he just couldn't seem to find his way onto the field with Minnesota. Of the three games the Vikings have played this season, he was only active for the Week 2 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, and during that contest, he was only on the field for a grand total of two snaps on special teams.
So, following the recent acquisition of running back Cam Akers in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota decided on Tuesday to release Gaskin.
Looking back, this move shouldn't come as a surprise since Akers now fills the role of the veteran backup in the Vikings' running back room. But it's still a bit disappointing that Minnesota was unable to find a fit for Gaskin in their offense.
Now, it is possible that the Vikings could sign the veteran running back to their practice squad. Minnesota also released him earlier this month and then proceeded to bring him back as a member of their practice squad. So the Vikings could be planning something similar for Gaskin after Tuesday's move as well.
At the very least, this roster move seems like a good sign that Akers is likely going to get some on-field action for Minnesota in their upcoming Week 4 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.