Vikings cut nine, including Shepherd, Cockra

Minnesota Vikings guard Austin Shepherd (74). (Ann Heisenfelt/AP)

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have cut nine players from their roster, including offensive lineman Austin Shepherd and former University of Minnesota defensive end Theiren Cockran.

The Vikings announced the moves on Tuesday afternoon. The cuts bring their roster to 80 players. They have until 4 p.m. EDT on Tuesday to get down to the NFL-mandated 75.

Shepherd appeared in 14 games last season as a rookie. Cockran was an undrafted rookie after being a defensive standout for the Golden Gophers.

The Vikings also waived offensive tackle Sean Hickey, tight end Brian Leonhardt, defensive tackle Claudell Louis, receiver Marken Michel, linebacker Terrance Plummer, receiver Terrell Sinkfield and quarterback Brad Sorensen.

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