Vikings are without outstanding special teams player NaJee Thompson due to injury

The Vikings have released special teams standout NaJee Thompson because of an injury, the team announced Wednesday. If he clears the waivers list, Minnesota can place him on the injured list this season.

Thompson signed with the Vikings as an undrafted rookie last year and was named to the 53-man roster out of training camp because of his special teams skills. He appeared in 15 games during the regular season and recorded seven tackles and one fumble recovery as a gunner. Thompson ranked eighth on the team in special teams snaps (193) and sixth in PFF special teams rating (72.9).

The Vikings also announced that they have signed OL Matthew Cindric and released OL Jeremy Flax due to injury. Cindric, a Cal native, originally signed with the Vikings as a UDFA this spring. He was released in late May to make room on the roster for Dalton Risner, who had been out for a while with an injury. Cindric played center and right guard at Cal.

Flax, another member of this year's Vikings rookie UDFA class, is a 6-foot-6, 325-pound tackle from Kentucky. He could also be parked on the injured list if he clears waivers.

The final squad cuts will take place next Tuesday, August 27th.