The Vikings today brought back Austin Shepherd to their practice squad, also adding former Gophers defensive back Cedric Thompson and rookie defensive lineman Sterling Bailey to the practice squad.

Shepherd was a seventh-round draft pick of the Vikings in 2015 and appeared in 14 games as a rookie. The Vikings cut the Alabama product during the preseason and he has since spent time with the Chargers and Steelers.

Thompson was a fifth-round pick of the Dolphins last year but has yet to play in an NFL game during stints in Miami and New England.

To make room for those three on the practice squad, the Vikings released quarterback Joel Stave and tight ends Brian Leonhardt and Kyle Carter.