Vikings Capitalize on Expanded Practice Squad

[Viktor]

1. Number of spots


Practice squad maximums were initially set to expand to 12 players from 10 under the Collective Bargaining Agreement reached between the NFL and NFL Players Association in March. That limit was increased to 16 in an effort to add depth within a team's organization in case players test positive before games.


What it means for the Vikings: After opting to keep Sean Mannion as Kirk Cousins' backup on the 53-man roster, the Vikings were able to keep Browning, a practice squader in 2019, and Stanley, a seventh-round pick, in the building to keep developing the young QBs.


2. Eased restrictions


In addition to increasing the number of spots, the NFL also relaxed some restrictions on who is eligible for the practice squad.


Up to six players per team can have an unlimited amount of experience.


What it means for the Vikings: Brett Jones, who has appeared in 46 games and made 17 starts with the Giants and Vikings, became eligible as a practice squad veteran.


Additionally, there are four "exception" players who can have some NFL experience.


Historically practice squads have been formed with rookies and players who have not accrued a season of free agent credit, or for those with one or more accrued seasons but were not on the 46-player active list for at least nine games.


What it means for the Vikings: Aviante Collins has played in five games over the course of three seasons but is able to be on the practice squad. Collins has the versatility to work at tackle and guard, a big benefit for a practice squad.