Former Nebraska Star RB Released By NFL Team

On Tuesday afternoon, NFL teams were forced to make final cuts ahead of the 53-man roster deadline.

The Minnesota Vikings made some notable moves to get their roster down to their 53-man limit, including the release of defensive end Everson Griffen, running back Ameer Abdullah, long snapper Andrew DePaola, offensive guard Dakota Dozier and cornerback Tye Smith.

Some pretty surprising moves among Vikings’ cuts to get the roster to 53:
-DE Everson Griffen (literally just brought him back)
-RB Ameer Abdullah (top veteran returner, No. 3 back)
-LS Andrew DePaola (they don’t have one on the roster currently)
-G Dakota Dozier
-CB Tye Smith

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) August 31, 2021

 

Abdullah, a former standout for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, had solidified himself as a solid third-down option behind starter Dalvin Cook and backup Alexander Mattison over the past couple seasons, also getting some decent work in the return game. But on Tuesday, the team decided his production was no longer needed.

Griffen, a four-time Pro Bowler and 10 year veteran with the Minnesota Vikings, re-signed with his former team just last week. But after just a few days back in his old stomping grounds, the former star DE was one of the team’s final cuts today. Though he may be off the roster today, Griffen could make his way back on to the team after final rosters settle in the coming weeks.

While a long snapper cut wouldn’t normally turn heads, the decision to release DePaola holds some significance as the only LS on the current roster. The eighth-year veteran and NFL journeyman spent his first and only season with the Vikings in 2020.

Dozier’s release was less surprising. After a disappointing season as a full-time starter in 2020, the veteran left guard has been relieved of his duties. Starting LG duties will now be taken over by second-year lineman Ezra Cleveland.

Smith, who spent the past three seasons as a backup CB for the Titans, never got to see the field in a Vikings uniform.

Minnesota also released backup QB Jake Browning, clearing the way for QB1 Kirk Cousins and rookie backup Kellen Mond.

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