No NFL roster move is minor to the players involved. With that in mind, the Minnesota Vikings made a few roster moves over the past couple of days. The most significant was the promotion of offensive lineman Willie Beavers from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. A little too much was made of the fact that Beavers, as a fourth round pick in last spring's NFL Draft, was the highest drafted player to not make his team's roster. So what? He was on the practice squad so he was still in the Vikings' plans. That's pretty obvious seeing as he's on the team now.
The Vikings signed receiver Isaac Fruechte and guard Sean Hickey to the practice squad. One replaced Beavers on the 10-man practice squad. Defensive back Julian Wilson was released to make room for the other. Fruechte spent last season on the Vikings' practice squad and was with the team throughout training camp and the preseason but was released on September 3. The Detroit Lions signed him to their practice squad two days later but was released last week. Now, he's back with the Vikings. Hickey spent training and most of the preseason with the Vikings. He's spent some time on the practice squads of the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots.
The loss of starting left tackle Matt Kalil for the season to hip surgery and the injury to starting left guard Alex Boone in Sunday's game has increased the need for linemen on the Vikings roster. Beavers essentially takes Kalil's place in the offensive line room while T.J. Clemmings takes his place in the starting lineup. Boone isn't expected to miss any time with his injury but there has to be some concern. Hickey provides a healthy body and some security at the position.
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