The Minnesota Vikings are trimming their roster from 91 players down to the NFL-mandated 53 ahead of the August 30, 2026 deadline. Personnel changes include releasing cornerback Tre Hawkins III and waiving offensive lineman Delby Lemieux, while young safety Jacob Thomas receives positive news regarding a Grade 1 ankle sprain.
As the final preseason game fades into the rearview, general manager Nolan Teasley and the front office face a high-stakes roster crunch. The organization must navigate the steep drop from 90 offseason spots to the final 53-player limit by 5:00 PM Central on Sunday, August 30, 2026. FanDuel Sportsbook currently lists the club at +430 odds to win the NFC North, placing every marginal roster decision under a sharp competitive lens as the regular season approaches.
Cornerback Tre Hawkins III and Lineman Delby Lemieux Released
Personnel movement has officially kicked into overdrive. According to reporting from Aaron Wilson, the franchise has parted ways with cornerback Tre Hawkins III. Hawkins joined the team late in the offseason phase and struggled to establish himself as a serious contender for the final defensive back group, where coaches anticipate keeping just four or five cornerbacks.
Along the offensive front, rookie center Delby Lemieux has been waived. Chris Tomasson noted that Lemieux logged 31 snaps during the recent preseason matchup against the Denver Broncos. Despite initial optimism surrounding his arrival from Dartmouth and the Senior Bowl, the young lineman failed to distinguish himself enough through camp to secure a permanent spot.
Positive Health Update for Safety Jacob Thomas
In the defensive backfield, the team avoided a major personnel crisis. Following an injury sustained during a recent Friday night matchup, rookie undrafted free-agent safety Jacob Thomas underwent evaluation.
“Vikings UDFA safety Jacob Thomas has a Grade 1 ankle sprain, a source tells The Athletic. Considered very positive news after Friday’s injury. Thomas has had an exceptional training camp and has been in line to make the 53-man roster.”
Alec Lewis, The Athletic
That diagnosis averts what could have been a devastating blow for a standout rookie. Thomas has put together an exceptional camp, positioning himself strongly to survive the upcoming roster cuts.
Quarterback Evaluation and Roster Depth Decisions
Attention remains fixed on the offensive leadership group. Head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed optimism regarding the health of starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy following a challenging outing against Denver. O’Connell initially hoped to play his young starter for a full half, though physical limitations cut that plan short.
As the final cutdown hour approaches, evaluators must weigh depth across every position group. While decisions loom on several fringe players, the franchise continues reviewing trade options and final evaluations under defensive coordinator Brian Flores to lock in the 53-man depth chart before Sunday evening’s deadline.
Worth a look
