Inside The Vikings

Vikings waive cornerback Akayleb Evans

Evans was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Adam Uren|
Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) in action during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) in action during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

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Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings made a significant roster cut on Saturday morning, with NFL.com's Ian Rapaport reporting they have waived cornerback Akayleb Evans.

Evans has found himself falling down the depth chart behind the likes of Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin and Byron Murphy Jr. this season, and has predominantly played special teams for the Vikings.

The decision to waive him could be a signal rookie linebacker Gabe Murphy, whose 21-day practice window was opened on Nov. 6, could be nearing his return, though he has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears.

Tight end Nick Muse, however, was activated from injured reserve on Saturday and will be active on Sunday. The Vikings also activated tight end Jake McQuaide to the active roster for Sunday's game in Chicago.

It's a possibility too that Evans could still return to Minnesota if he clears waivers and the Vikings bring him back to the practice squad.

Evans was drafted by the Vikings with the 118th pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft.

If he doesn't return to the Vikings after clearing waivers, it means the only survivors from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's first draft are Ed Ingram (currently benched), Brian Asamoah (a backup), Ty Chandler (third-string RB), Jalen Nailor (backup WR) and backup tight end Muse.

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Adam Uren
ADAM UREN

Adam, raised on the Isle of Man, brings 15 years of experience as a reporter and editor at both regional and national levels in the U.K. and the U.S. In 2014, he moved to Minnesota and joined Bring Me The News, focusing on news coverage for the Twin Cities, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, and greater Minnesota. Now a co-owner and editor of Bring Me The News, Bring Me The Sports, and Bring Me The Weather, Adam balances his editorial duties with occasional sports writing. His top three passions are his family, Liverpool F.C., and British baked bean