Vikings' Nesbit Aims to Lock Up Roster Spot in Final Exhibition
Tight end Bryson Nesbit has impressed in training camp and preseason games for Minnesota. With starters likely resting, he will get extended playing time against Denver. He is competing with Gavin Bartholomew for the third tight end position.
Nesbit's path to the roster has been steady rather than spectacular. After going undrafted out of North Carolina, where he earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2023, he spent his rookie season on Minnesota's practice squad before signing a futures contract. His preseason production—two catches for 13 yards against the Giants and one 16-yard grab against Baltimore—shows modest but consistent involvement, with four targets in each game.
The competition for the third tight end spot appears tight. Gavin Bartholomew has also impressed during camp, making notable catches in practice sessions. With Hockenson and Oliver expected to rest, Friday's game against Denver gives Nesbit and his competitors a final chance to state their case before the August 30 roster deadline, when the team must cut to 53 players.
This roster battle carries significance beyond one player's career, as it reflects the broader NFL reality of intense competition for limited positions. Nesbit's performance could shape the Vikings' offensive depth for the season, potentially affecting game-day flexibility if injuries occur. For fans, the outcome may influence their team's fortunes in close games. For Nesbit and Bartholomew, the stakes are personal—a roster spot means financial security and continued NFL employment, while a cut could redirect their professional paths entirely.