The Minnesota Vikings made a couple of key roster moves ahead of their next matchup, officially announcing that they have terminated the contract of running back Myles Gaskin and elevated tight end Robert Tonyan from the practice squad to the active roster.
Myles Gaskin, who joined the Vikings in August 2023, was initially brought in to provide depth at the running back position following his tenure with the Miami Dolphins. Gaskin, a former seventh-round draft pick, had shown promise during his time in Miami, particularly during the 2020 season when he led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns. However, he struggled to maintain a prominent role within Minnesota’s backfield, which includes star running back Alexander Mattison. Gaskin was released once before this season by the Vikings but was re-signed to their practice squad shortly after. His release could signal the team’s growing confidence in their current running backs or that they are making room for other personnel moves.
On the flip side, the Vikings opted to sign tight end Robert Tonyan to their active roster. Tonyan is an experienced player known for his time with the Green Bay Packers, where he established himself as a reliable target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, especially in 2020, when he had a breakout season with 11 touchdown receptions. Tonyan has consistently been a versatile tight end, capable of contributing both as a blocker and a pass-catcher.
The move to promote Tonyan from the practice squad suggests that the Vikings see value in his skill set, especially as they continue to bolster their offensive options for quarterback Kirk Cousins. With the Vikings’ passing attack already featuring talented wide receivers such as Justin Jefferson and rookie Jordan Addison, the addition of Tonyan gives Cousins another experienced weapon who can contribute in red-zone situations or help in the run game with his blocking abilities.
These moves reflect the Vikings’ continued effort to fine-tune their roster mid-season and adapt to changing needs or injuries. As the season progresses, both the release of Gaskin and the promotion of Tonyan may play pivotal roles in shaping the team’s strategy.
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