In preparation for the upcoming regular season, the Minnesota Vikings have commenced the process of finalizing their 53-man roster. On Monday, the team announced their first wave of cuts, releasing several notable names from their lineup.

Among the initial cuts were former Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Mo Ibrahim and offensive lineman Chuck Filiaga. This decision comes as a disappointment for the players, who had been vying for a spot on the team. Additionally, running back DeWayne McBride, a seventh-round draft pick from last year, was also let go.

Another player who may be on the chopping block is Lewis Cine, the Vikings' first-round draft pick for 2022. Cine's position as the third on the safety depth chart, behind Cam Bynum and Theo Jackson, has raised speculations about his future with the team.

With 77 players still remaining on the roster, the Vikings will need to make further cuts to reach the required 53-man limit by Tuesday's 3 p.m. deadline. While some of the released players may be signed to the team's practice squad, no official announcements have been made regarding this matter.

The Minnesota Vikings' regular season is set to kick off on Sunday, September 8, against the New York Giants. Following this, the team will play their home opener on September 15 against the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers.

In addition to the initial cuts, the Vikings have also terminated the contract of veteran cornerback A.J. Green III. Green had signed with the team earlier this year but was unable to secure a place in the final roster.

As the deadline approaches, the Vikings' coaching staff faces the challenging task of deciding which players will continue on this journey with the team. The final roster selection will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the Vikings' success as they aim to make their mark in the upcoming season.