Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks and rookies reported to training camp Sunday, while veterans are due Tuesday. The team will hold its first practice Wednesday, when roster battles will really start to take shape.
Unfortunately for a few members of Minnesota’s undrafted rookie class, their first NFL training camp has already hit a roadblock. Two players were waived before the opening practice, while another will begin camp unable to participate.
Minnesota Vikings make three rookie roster moves
Linebacker Keli Lawson was waived, wide receiver Luke Wysong was waived with a non-football injury designation and running back Kejon Owens was placed on the active/non-football illness list.
The #Vikings have waived LB Keli Lawson and waived/non-football injury WR Luke Wysong.
RB Kejon Owens has been placed on the Active/Non-Football Illness list.
📰: https://t.co/4ISJIbFhgY pic.twitter.com/aBSPTG1tmO
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 27, 2026
Owens landed on the active/NFI list following Sunday’s rookie report date. The illness designation at least means Minnesota isn’t classifying his issue as a football-related injury. However, it doesn’t tell us whether this is something fleeting or an issue that could sideline him for an extended period. He remains on the roster and can be activated at any point during camp once cleared.
The Florida International product spent five seasons with the FIU Panthers. As the lead back during his senior year, he ran 213 times for 1,334 yards and a conference-leading 6.3 yards per carry. He found paydirt 11 times on the ground and added another 67 yards on 18 receptions.
Owens could be an intriguing depth option for a Minnesota Vikings running back room that could use more youth. Once cleared, he will likely compete with fifth-round pick Demond Claiborne for a roster spot behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason.
Keli Lawson and Luke Wysong waived before Vikings camp
Lawson was an interesting addition at linebacker because of his athletic profile and previous production. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound linebacker ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash at UCF’s pro day with a 41-inch vertical and 11-foot-3 broad jump. His best season came at Virginia Tech in 2023, when he led the Hokies with 80 tackles while adding seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and an interception. Lawson spent four years at Virginia Tech before transferring to UCF, where he recorded 34 tackles and two sacks during his final college season.
Wysong faced long odds in Minnesota’s crowded receiver room. After catching 69 passes for 840 yards at New Mexico in 2024, he finished with only 24 receptions for 278 yards and two touchdowns at Arizona last season. His experience as a punt returner gave him a possible path to the roster, but the Vikings waived him with a non-football injury designation before the first practice.
Mentioned in this article: Kejon Owens Keli Lawson Luke Wysong
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