Vikings add Josh Metellus to 53-man roster, waive Nate Meadors

Yesterday, the Minnesota Vikings made a change at their backup safety spot, but it was not to add newly-signed George Iloka, as many (including myself) had expected.

Instead, the Vikings decided to bring rookie Josh Metellus up from the practice squad and add him to the main roster. To make room for him, they waived safety Nate Meadors, who they elevated last week before the season opener against Green Bay.

Metellus was one of the Vikings’ two sixth-round picks in the 2020 NFL Draft after a successful college career at the University of Michigan. He was waived as part of the team’s final cuts and was brought back to the practice squad once he cleared waivers.

This means that Metellus will likely serve as the primary backup to both Anthony Harris and Harrison Smith when the Vikings face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The team could also still bring Iloka up if they feel they need even more help in the defensive backfield.