The Vikings released center Brett Jones on Tuesday as the offense returned from the bye week with two interior offensive linemen, guards Pat Elflein (thumb) and Dru Samia (wrist), on the mend.
Elflein was designated to return from injured reserve on Monday and will practice this week for the first time since tearing a ligament in his thumb during practice on Sept. 17; Jones had been promoted to the active roster the following day.
The Vikings have an open roster spot, and three weeks to activate Elflein, but cutting Jones could indicate Elflein will return sooner than later.