Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) walks off the field...

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) walks off the field following an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Nov. 17, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. Credit: AP/Stew Milne

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings waived cornerback Akayleb Evans on Saturday in another setback for their beleaguered 2022 draft class.

Evans started 15 games last season, but he had been relegated to a special teams role this year after the Vikings added veteran cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin.

Evans was a fourth-round pick out of Missouri, one of three defensive backs among Minnesota's first five selections in 2022. Lewis Cine (first round) was waived and Andrew Booth (second round) was traded earlier this year. One of their second-round picks, guard Ed Ingram, lost his starting spot last week.

Evans was let go to clear a roster spot for tight end Nick Muse, who was activated from injured reserve to play on Sunday at Chicago. The Vikings ruled tight end Josh Oliver out of the game with a sprained ankle.

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