Vikings Release Former First-Round Wide Receiver After Activating Justin Jefferson
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: N’Keal Harry #13 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Michael Reaves/Getty Images
The Minnesota Vikings cleared the way for Justin Jefferson’s return on Tuesday.
Today the team announced the release of former first-round pick N’Keal Harry and practice squad QB Sean Mannion after officially activating Jefferson from injured reserve.
Jefferson has been sidelined since Week 5 with a hamstring injury and the Vikes have been extra careful about not rushing him back as they continue to fight for a playoff spot.
Minnesota will utilize its bye this week to ramp up Jefferson’s workload so that he can feel comfortable returning to the lineup for Week 14’s matchup with the Raiders.
The Vikings signed N’Keal Harry this August after stints with the Patriots and Bears. He bounced between the team’s practice squad and active roster for most of the beginning half of the season; appearing in nine games but not registering a catch.
With five games to go, Minnesota sits at .500 and second in the NFC North. The team’s two games against the division-leading Lions over the last three weeks could go a long way in making the postseason or not.