Vikings officially waive CB Akayleb Evans, activate TE Nick Muse from IR

The Minnesota Vikings have officially waived cornerback Akayleb Evans and activated tight end Nick Muse off injured reserve ahead of Sunday's Week 12 game against the Chicago Bears.

Evans, whose departure was first reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garofalo on Saturday, was a fourth-round pick by the Vikings in 2022 and was a starter for most of his first two seasons in Minnesota.

But after coming into the league under defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, Evans couldn't find his footing under Brian Flores. 

Evans was benched twice last December and only played three defensive snaps this season. He was relegated to special teams and missed three games with a hip injury.

To replace Evans, the Vikings activated a fellow 2022 draft pick in Muse. The 26-year-old has appeared in 14 games in his three seasons with the Vikings and is likely to serve as the team's third tight end behind T.J. Hockenson and Johnny Mundt.

The Vikings are shorthanded at tight end after Josh Oliver was ruled out with an ankle injury on Friday.

Long snapper Jake McQuaide, who has filled in for starter Andrew DePaola, was also elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's game while edge rusher Gabriel Murphy was downgraded to out with a knee injury.

The Vikings will face the Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago at noon on Sunday.