While there were no major surprises among today's roster cuts, the release of veteran safety Chris Crocker qualifies as a minor one. Crocker and fellow safety Kurt Coleman were both let go as the Vikings trimmed their roster from 75 players to 53 before today's roster deadline.

Also cut were defensive tackles Fred Evans, Chase Baker and Isame Faciane; tight ends Chase Ford and Allen Reisner; running backs Joe Banyard and Dominique Williams; wide receivers Kain Colter and Donte Foster; offensive linemen Mike Remmers, Jeff Baca and Zac Kerin; defensive end Justin Trattou; linebackers Mike Zimmer and Justin Jackson; and corners Julian Posey and Kendall James.

James, a 2014 sixth-round pick, was the only member of the team's draft class to be cut.

Among the notables who did make the team were wide receivers Adam Thielen and Rodney Smith; fullbacks Jerome Felton and Zach Line; offensive tackle Austin Wentworth; linebackers Gerald Hodges, Brandon Watts, Michael Mauti and Larry Dean; and, yes, quarterback Christian Ponder.

Rookie offensive tackle Antonio Richardson will join safety Jamarca Sanford on injured reserve.

Note that wide-out Jerome Simpson will not count against the 53-man roster while suspended.