Minnesota Vikings Released Devin Neal From Practice Squad

The team announced the roster change on October 6 following a brief stint with the organization.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Football

Minnesota Vikings Released Devin Neal From Practice Squad

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The Minnesota Vikings released Devin Neal from their practice squad on October 6. The move occurred just six days after the team originally signed him on September 30.

Why it matters

The roster move is part of ongoing personnel adjustments for the Vikings as they prepare for a scheduled visit to the New Orleans Saints on October 11.

Devin Neal logged 10 appearances in his 2025 rookie season, recording 206 rushing yards on 57 carries alongside 17 receptions. He was signed by Minnesota following a September 29 workout session.

The players

Minnesota Vikings

This professional football franchise is based in Minneapolis and competes in the National Football League.

Devin Neal

He is a professional football player who appeared in 10 games during his 2025 rookie season.

New Orleans Saints

This National Football League team is based in New Orleans and originally selected Devin Neal in the 2025 draft.

Johnny Hekker

He is a professional football player who was released from the Minnesota Vikings practice squad alongside Neal.

Natrone Brooks

He is a professional football player who was released from the Minnesota Vikings practice squad.

The details

In addition to releasing Devin Neal, the Minnesota Vikings also parted ways with Johnny Hekker and Natrone Brooks from the practice squad. Neal previously played for the New Orleans Saints during the 2025 season before being released by that club on September 3.

August 2025: Devin Neal initially injured his hamstring.
September 3, 2025: The New Orleans Saints released Devin Neal.
September 30, 2025: Minnesota Vikings signed Devin Neal to the practice squad.
October 6, 2025: The Minnesota Vikings released Devin Neal.

Season Trajectory

This roster move reflects the fluid nature of practice squads during the NFL season as teams refine their depth charts for upcoming matchups. Such changes directly influence the team's ability to maintain competitive balance as they prepare for the remainder of the schedule.

The release of Devin Neal leaves an opening on the Minnesota practice squad ahead of the team's upcoming October 11 road game. Fans and analysts monitoring roster depth should track the team's subsequent signings for indications of how they intend to supplement the active squad.

The takeaway

Roster fluidity is a standard aspect of professional football as organizations adjust their lineups on a weekly basis. Players released from practice squads remain eligible to sign with other teams seeking to bolster their depth throughout the season.