In preparation for the upcoming NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings made several roster cuts, parting ways with running back Kene Nwangwu and 2022 first-round pick Lewis Cine, among others. The team, along with the rest of the league, reduced its roster to 53 players on Tuesday, a necessary step on roster cutdown day.

One of the notable departures from the Vikings' roster was safety Lewis Cine, who was their first-round draft pick in 2022. Throughout the day, the Vikings attempted to trade Cine in order to save $1.75 million in salary cap space. However, despite initial interest from other teams, no deal materialized. As a result, the Vikings had to absorb Cine's fully-guaranteed 2025 base salary of $2.272 million as dead money in 2024.

The Vikings also made some significant cuts to their recently acquired free agents, including tight end Robert Tonyan, cornerback Duke Shelley, and defensive lineman Jonah Williams. In addition, veteran defensive back Bobby McCain, who had joined the team during training camp, is expected to be released.

Another key player who was let go by the Vikings is running back Kene Nwangwu. Despite his previous success as a second-team All-Pro kick returner in 2022, Nwangwu was unable to find a consistent role in the Vikings' offense. The team informed him that they planned to release him if they couldn't trade him before the roster cut deadline.

With Nwangwu's departure and the release of veteran running back Myles Gaskin, the Vikings currently have two running backs on their roster - Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler - along with fullback C.J. Ham. The team may look to add depth at the running back position following the final roster cuts.

Defensively, the Vikings decided to part ways with defensive tackle James Lynch, a fourth-round pick in 2020. Lynch faced tough competition from rookies Levi Drake Rodriguez and Taki Taimani, who impressed the coaches during training camp.

In addition to the roster cuts, there were some injury-related decisions for the Vikings. T.J. Hockenson, who had been recovering from a torn ACL, will start the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list. This means Hockenson will not be available for at least the first four games, with the possibility of returning for the Vikings' October matchup against the Jets.

Furthermore, pass rusher Gabriel Murphy will be placed on short-term injured reserve, along with guard Dalton Risner. Murphy's undisclosed injury kept him out of most of Vikings' camp, while Risner has been dealing with a back injury.

As the roster cuts were finalized, the Vikings turned their attention to Wednesday, when released players can officially join the practice squad. Up to 17 players can be signed, including rookies, second-year players, veterans, and one spot reserved for a qualifying international player.

With the roster now set, the Vikings will focus on their upcoming season and look to build a competitive team that can make a run in the NFL.