Those times have changed. Nearly one-third of the Vikings’ offseason roster is comprised of NFL rookies (27 of 87), many positioned with opportunities to play on offense, defense and/or special teams after seven starters were cut or walked in March.
Guidelines in the newly-ratified CBA will help this rookie class, even as they’re currently locked out of team facilities due to pandemic restrictions. Teams can now suit up 48 players (up from 46) for regular season games. Practice squads increased to 12 players (up from 10), and teams can now promote two practice squad players each week for games without subjecting them to waivers when returning to the practice squad (up to twice per player).