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Minnesota Vikings Waive Former First Round Pick

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Daniel Arwas | Last updated Nov 28, 2023 8:14 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings had a difficult start to the week after posting a 12-10 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, which was considerably less dull – yet still somewhat excruciating in having to watch Justin Fields for 3.5 hours – than the scoreboard would indicate.

Minor quarterback sensation, Joshua Dobbs, threw 4 interceptions – although this is somewhat misrepresentative of his performance as a whole, as 2/4 interceptions were tipped/dropped by the receiver. Even so, Kevin O’Connell went so far as to decline to confirm Dobbs as the starter for the remainder of the season.

There is still good news for the Vikings, as All-Pro wide receiver and reigning Offensive Player of the Year, Justin Jefferson, has been activated to the Minnesota Vikings’ 53 man roster. However, for every addition there must be a subtraction, and the Vikings have decided to waive a familiar face, particularly to those residing in the North East, per Tom Pelissero.

To make room for WR Justin Jefferson, who was activated from IR as expected today, the #Vikings waived WR N’Keal Harry.

With three other healthy QBs, they also released Sean Mannion from the practice squad.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 28, 2023

What This Means For The Minnesota Vikings

Not much, really.

I would say that N’Keal Harry is a complementary piece, but that would probably be moderately insulting to complimentary pieces worldwide. Since being drafted by the New England Patriots in 2019, ahead of stars and potential future hall-of-famers, Deebo Samuel and AJ Brown, in addition to Pro Bowlers, DK Metcalf and Diontae Johnson, Harry has compiled a fairly pathetic 64 receptions for 714 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Despite his former high draft status, Harry was 5th on the Vikings’ receiving depth chart before the return of Jefferson, trailing undrafted impressive receiver, Brandon Powell, and 2022 6th round pick, Jalen Nailor.

This could well spell the end for N’Keal Harry, who seems at this point – at best – destined to play out the rest of his career on practice squads. Hopefully, some coach manages to unlock the vast potential that once made him the 32nd overall pick, and he can start getting his career on track.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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