Packers Claim Rookie Tight End Off Waivers From Vikings

Ben Sims had a solid camp and preseason for the Vikings and now ends up with their rivals.

The Packers claimed rookie tight end Ben Sims off of waivers from the Vikings on Wednesday. Instead of heading to Minnesota's practice squad, the UDFA from Baylor will join Green Bay's active roster.

The Vikings signed Sims as part of their college free agent class following this year's draft. He looked solid throughout training camp and the preseason this year, but he faced a tough battle to crack the 53-man roster due to the Vikings' talent and depth at tight end. Minnesota kept four on its initial roster: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and Nick Muse.

Sims would've joined the practice squad as the Vikings' TE5 if he had cleared waivers, but this is an opportunity for him to join an active roster. In Green Bay, he joins a tight end room that includes Josiah Deguara (who also plays fullback) and rookies Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft.

Sims played 86 snaps for the Vikings in three preseason games and earned a decent 64.7 PFF grade. He caught three passes for 53 yards, including a 33-yarder against the Titans. He also had a 42-yard catch against the Cardinals that didn't count because QB Jaren Hall had barely crossed the line of scrimmage before throwing the ball.

Sims was the only played waived by the Vikings this week who was claimed on Wednesday. That'll allow them to keep a significant number of those players on their practice squad.

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