The NFL often resembles a game of musical chairs for players searching for a long-term spot on a team. While some players find stability with one franchise for many years, others frequently find themselves moving between multiple teams in a short span of time.
Seeing Minnesota Vikings players in other team uniforms can feel a bit jarring for fans, especially when they’ve grown attached to them during their time in purple and gold. The Vikings’ roster turnover has led to multiple players landing with other franchises over the years, with some even joining forces on the same team.
The latest example comes with the Washington Commanders, who recently claimed wide receiver K.J. Osborn off waivers.
Now Osborn will be joined by another Viking as the team strengthens its roster. The Commanders officially signed kicker Greg Joseph to their practice squad on Friday. Joseph, 30, was most recently with the New York Giants but was placed on injured reserve in November with an oblique injury before being waived.
Joseph spent three seasons as the kicker for the Minnesota Vikings, where he was successful on 83 of 101 field goal attempts and 112 of 124 extra-point tries, accumulating 361 points during his tenure. For the Commanders, Joseph will wait for an opportunity to move up to the 53-man roster, potentially if starting kicker Zane Gonzalez cannot return from a recent foot injury.
While Gonzalez has practiced fully this week, if he is unable to suit up for Sunday’s game against the Saints, the Commanders could elevate Joseph to handle kicking duties.
As the Commanders enter Week 15 with playoff aspirations, they currently hold the third and final NFC Wild Card spot with an 8-5 record.
Their remaining schedule includes games against the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, and Dallas Cowboys. With this pivotal stretch ahead, Joseph’s addition provides Washington with additional depth and flexibility at an important position.