Here's a position-by-position look at who stays and who goes when the Minnesota Vikings make their final cuts:
QUARTERBACK (3)
The Vikings could keep two quarterbacks on the active roster and try to sneak Heinicke through to the practice squad, but the guess is they won't risk losing him through waivers after an impressive preseason. Coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner have indicated they'd prefer to have three QBs on the roster, and Heinicke hit all 11 of his passes against Dallas before playing all of the Vikings' preseason finale against Tennessee.
RUNNING BACK (4)
Peterson's return means a smaller role for both McKinnon and Asiata, who shared the workload in the run game during Peterson's absence. Asiata's tenacity around the goal line, in pass protection and on special teams helps him stay around. Line makes the team as the Vikings' lone fullback; he'll have to fight for opportunities as tight ends Rhett Ellison and MyCole Pruitt also can work out of the backfield.
WIDE RECEIVER (6)
The Vikings have a deep group of receivers, and several of them -- Johnson, Diggs and Thielen -- have helped themselves with strong training camps. Patterson showed what a force he still is as a kick returner last Saturday in Dallas, but it remains to be seen whether he'll have a role in the offense too; he has been working with the second-team offense during the preseason on a team that rarely used more than three receivers last year. Diggs could take on a larger role in the offense as the year goes on; the Vikings love his potential to make plays after the catch.
TIGHT END (3)
Rhett Ellison
MyCole Pruitt
There's a strong case to be made for keeping four tight ends and putting Chase Ford on the roster, but the fact Ford was unable to play on Thursday night against Tennessee didn't help his chances to make the team. Pruitt, a fifth-round pick out of Southern Illinois, could carve out a role in the offense with his versatility.
OFFENSIVE LINE (8)
T.J. Clemmings
The Vikings could wind up looking for a veteran swing tackle after final roster cuts, as they've done each of the past two years. At the moment, they'd be asking a young player to step in if anything were to happen to Matt Kalil. Considering how many unproven players they'll already be starting on the offensive line, the Vikings could stand to add some experience to the group.
DEFENSIVE LINE (9)
Tom Johnson
Assuming Stephen is recovered from a knee operation in time for the start of the regular season, this is one of the sturdiest position groups on the roster. The Vikings will need Hunter and Crichton to contribute if they want to keep Griffen and Robison from playing more than 900 snaps apiece again, but Trattou has rushed the passer consistently enough in the preseason that he'll get to stick around.
LINEBACKER (7)
The Vikings have been toying with their options at middle linebacker throughout the preseason; they started Hodges again on Thursday night and could use him in the base defense with Kendricks in the nickel. CFL product Brian Peters, who had a strong training camp and preseason, could push for a roster spot as well.
CORNERBACK (6)
Thomas has made some impressive plays during the preseason, and he takes advantage of the fact Jabari Price is suspended for the first two games of the season. Sherels sticks around because of his role as a punt returner. Barring an injury, Waynes -- the 11th pick in the draft -- figures to be the fourth corner on the depth chart until he's ready for a bigger role.
SAFETY (4)
The Vikings still seemed to be looking at their safety options on Thursday night, when Blanton was one of two defensive starters to play against Tennessee. If he starts for a second consecutive season, he doesn't figure to have a long leash.
SPECIALISTS (3)
The Vikings are all set here, after releasing long snapper Cullen Loeffler. Now they'll just have to get things corrected with Walsh, who went 5-for-11 on field goals in the preseason.