Vikings Roster Cuts Tracker 2026: Who's Out as 53-Man Deadline Arrives

The one-stop page to keep tabs on who's been cut from the Purple and Gold.

Following all the Vikings' roster decisions as head coach Kevin O'Connell trims the squad to 53 players. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The 2026 NFL regular season is right around the corner after the Vikings put their preseason schedule to bed on Friday night. A blowout loss to the Giants ended the exhibition action on a low note; however, there isn't much time for head coach Kevin O'Connell & Co. to dwell on the loss because of the looming 53-man roster deadline.

The Vikings and each of the other 31 NFL teams have until 5 p.m. CT on Sunday to ensure their rosters are compliant with the 53-man limit. Some exceptions apply, as players on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and those in the NFL International Player Pathway don't count towards the final count.

That said, it doesn't change the fact that some tough decisions will be made before the weekend is over. No one knows that more than O'Connell.

"First and foremost, we got to cut down our football team," the 41-year-old head coach said on Friday (h/t Vikings). "It’s just going to be a tough couple of days, and figure out our practice squad and potential additions to the roster at different positions."

LIVE: Head Coach Kevin O’Connell speaks to media following preseason game against Denver Broncos https://t.co/OaRX2V93FP

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 29, 2026

It's safe to say that the next few days will be a whirlwind for the Vikings (along with the rest of the league). Although Minnesota has already figured out various positional battles, concerns regarding areas like the backup quarterback situation, center depth and the running back room leave O'Connell and his staff open to take various avenues with their decisions.

Help might be on the way in the form of players cut from other teams this weekend. But first, the Vikings need to trim their own roster fat before opening the dojor for new faces. The following tracker is your one-stop helper for keeping tabs on all of Minnesota's releases and waiver decisions, as well as any significant surprise moves that might occur.

Vikings cut tracker 2026

Name	Position	Previous team
Tre Hawkins	Cornerback	Commanders
Delby Lemieux	Offensive guard	Dartmouth
Tristan Leigh	Offensive tackle	Clemson
Tavierre Thomas	Safety	Vikings
Isaiahh Loudermilk	Defensive lineman	Steelers
Marshall Lang	Tight end	Northwestern
Zavier Scott	Running back	Vikings
Walter Rouse	Offensive lineman	Vikings
Johnny Hekker	Punter	Titans
Kenny Dyson	EGDE	Panthers

Analyzing surprise moves

• The Vikings have cut ties with 27-year-old running back Zavier Scott, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic. With Scott released, the door is open for rookie Demond Claiborne to take over the RB3 job behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Scott appeared in 16 games last season, totaling 212 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 46 touches. He also added six combined tackles, playing 36% of special teams snaps.
• Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported on Sunday that the Vikings have parted ways with veteran safety Tavierre Thomas. It's shocking to see Minnesota releasing Thomas, who was just signed to a two-year, $4.6 million extension in the offseason. The veteran defensive back joined the Vikings last year, where he appeared in 17 games, racking up 23 combined tackles and a forced fumble. He spent most of his playing time on special teams in 2025, but had his miscues on that end. Pair that with the emergence of UDFA Jacob Thomas this summer, and it makes sense why Minnesota cut ties.
• KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson is reporting that the Vikings are releasing cornerback Tre Hawkins III. It's surprising to see the 26-year-old defender released this soon, as the Vikings only signed him on Tuesday. That said, missing two of his five tackling attempts in Friday's loss to the Broncos didn't do him any favors.

Get Vikings On SI straight to your inbox: sign up for our free newsletter here.