MINNEAPOLIS - Adam Thielen's improbable run at a roster spot for the Minnesota Vikings season opener came to an end Saturday.
The Detroit Lakes, Minn., native was among 19 players let go by the Vikings during their final round of cuts. Minnesota had to get its roster down to 53 players.
Thielen, a rookie wide receiver from Minnesota State-Mankato, was invited to the team's rookie minicamp in May after not being selected in April's NFL draft.
He impressed the coaching staff enough to earn a contract offer with the team and a spot on the roster during training camp.
Thielen was among a group of players let go Saturday who can then either sign on with other teams or potentially get offers to join the Vikings' practice squad. Teams typically round out their practice squads early this week.
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Joe Webb's athleticism was too much for the Vikings to part with from their receiving corps.
After converting Webb to wide receiver this spring, following a failed emergency playoff start at quarterback when Christian Ponder was out with an injury, the Vikings kept the versatile former sixth-round draft pick for special teams value and depth at an important position.
Webb, in the fourth and final year of his contract, was one of five wide receivers on the roster revealed Saturday after the cut deadline.
Marcus Sherels was included as the fifth cornerback, meaning he'll be the punt returner again this year.
Guard Seth Olson was placed on injured reserve after suffering a concussion in the final preseason game Thursday. Fullback Jerome Felton (three games, substance abuse policy violation) and tackle DeMarcus Love (four games, performance enhancing substance policy violation) don't count against the limit while serving suspensions by the NFL.
Wide receiver Greg Childs, still recovering from a patellar tendon tear in each knee more than a year ago, is on the physically unable to perform list. Defensive tackle Christian Ballard is on the reserve list, having left the team for unspecified personal reasons.
Also waived: tight ends Colin Anderson and Chase Ford; running back Joe Banyard; wide receivers Stephen Burton and Rodney Smith; offensive linemen Travis Bond, Brandon Keith and Kevin Murphy; defensive tackles Everett Dawkins, Anthony McCloud and Spencer Nealy; defensive ends D'Aundre Reed and Collins Ukwu; linebacker Tyrone McKenzie; cornerbacks Brandon Burton and Bobby Felder; and safeties Brandan Bishop and Darius Eubanks.
