![There were no pictures of Mike Higgins in a Vikings uniform, so I had to use this one when he played for the Sa[EFF THOSE GUYS]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ecU1ttE1iU7MOATeUOPfGqFrzkA=/0x180:2672x1961/2420x1613/filters:focal(0x180:2672x1961):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/37470842/150439218.0.jpg)
A short while ago it was announced that the Minnesota Vikings have released tight end Mike Higgins, and have reached the mandated 75 man roster limit, as required by NFL rules.
The release of Higgins leaves four tight ends on the roster. Kyle Rudolph, who just signed a contract extension as training camp opened, is the unquestioned starter, with Rhett Ellison playing the role of trusty sidekick/primary backup. Assuming the Vikings roll with three tight ends, the final spot will come down to Chase Ford or Allen Resiner.
Ford, who was put on the PUP list right before training camp, was activated and put on the roster yesterday, when the Vikings made the rest of their cuts. He has yet to see any game action, and one can only assume he'll see a lot of the field on Thursday night. Because he hasn't been cut or given an injury settlement, the Vikings must like him, or at a minimum see what he can do.
That's because Reisner has been pretty decent in pre-season action so far, becoming QB Teddy Bridgewater's go-to guy in the red zone. In three games this pre-season, he has four catches for 29 yards, but three of those grabs have been for touchdowns. Because Ford is being given every opportunity to showcase his talents, you still have to think if he puts up a decent game on Thursday he'll get the nod, but Reisner's right there.
Remember, the final set of cuts comes no later than August 30th, when all teams must get down to the mandated 53 man roster limits, so there will be a flurry of activity Friday and Saturday. So stay tuned.