Vikings Release Two Linemen

The Vikings released defensive tackle Joe Anoai and offensive lineman Andy Olemgbe Wednesday.

According to Anoai’s agent, Jim Ulrich, Anoai had an injury that didn’t allow him to participate in the team’s organized team activities last week. The Vikings reported Anoai’s absence as being for “personal reasons.”

On Tuesday, Ulrich said he was hopeful that Anoai would be able to participate in this weekend’s minicamp, but he confirmed Wednesday that undrafted rookie would be released.

“I can’t get into what his medical condition is,” Ulrich said.

Ulrich said it is possible Anoai could get the medical issue cleared up in a few weeks and then look to sign with the Vikings or another team before training camp. He said the Vikings felt it was best to release him now since he wouldn’t be able to participate in this weekend’s minicamp.

Anoai did participate in the Vikings rookie camp earlier this month, when the team also gave tryouts to dozens of other rookies, including defensive tackle Chauncey Brown of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, according to the Commercial Dispatch in Ohio.

Earlier this offseason, the Vikings were interested in signing former Bears defensive tackle Ian Scott, but he since signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Like Anoai, Olemgbe was also a rookie free agent.

The team also officially announced the signing of seventh-round receiver Chandler Williams on Wednesday.