Former Minnesota Gopher MarQueis Gray is coming to the Minnesota Vikings.
Gray, who played quarterback for the Gophers, tweeted Sunday that he was officially a Viking after being waived by the Cleveland Browns.
https://twitter.com/MarQueisG/status/506123621895766016
The tight end/fullback will be reunited with Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who was Cleveland’s offensive coordinator in 2013 when Gray played for the Browns. That season, he had six carries and two catches in 12 games. Before being cut this year, he had six catches and a fumble in the preseason, NBC Sports says.
USA Today’s Tom Pelissero tweeted Sunday saying the Vikings also claimed offensive tackle Mike Harris, who was waived by the San Diego Chargers. ESPN confirmed this report, citing two league sources.
#Vikings have been awarded TE MarQueis Gray as well as OT Mike Harris off waivers, I'm told.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 31, 2014
Harris started nine games over the last two seasons in San Diego and NBC Sports says he should be in the swing tackle mix for the Vikings.
Harris also played for Turner in 2012 with the Chargers, the Pioneer Press says.
ESPN says these moves addressed two needs for the Vikings after finalizing their 53-man roster Saturday – the Vikings only had two tight ends, and they seemed to be looking for a veteran at tackle.
The Vikings have to make two corresponding transactions to make room for Gray and Harris – none have been announced, NBC Sports says.
The Pioneer Press, citing league sources, says Joe Banyard, who was cut by the Vikings Saturday, cleared waivers and was added to the practice squad. The Vikings will look to fill out the remainder of the practice squad Sunday, the newspaper notes.
