Vikings release cornerback Lacey

Former Lion and Colt was brought in as insurance, but arthroscopic knee surgery cost him a chance to win a job.

August 19, 2013 at 10:52PM

Realistically, for the Vikings, Jacob Lacey's recovery time from arthroscopic surgery to being able to fight for a roster spot was two weeks to, well, never.

Never became official moments ago when the Vikings released the veteran cornerback a week after he had knee surgery. He'll get an injury settlement.

Lacey, the former Lion and Colt, was familiar with defensive coordinator Alan Williams' schemes. He was brought in basically as insurance in case second-year player Josh Robinson wasn't able to adjust to playing the slot corner spot in the nickel defense. Robinson, who replaces Antoine Winfield in that role, had never played or practiced there before this offseason.

Robinson's progression coupled with Lacey's knee injury -- and a thumb injury earlier this offseason -- made today's release inevitable.

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about the writer

Mark Craig

Sports reporter

Mark Craig has covered the NFL nearly every year since Brett Favre was a rookie back in 1991. A sports writer since 1987, he is covering his 30th NFL season out of 37 years with the Canton (Ohio) Repository (1987-99) and the Star Tribune (1999-present).

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