Owens informed he's among the cuts

The Vikings have informed tight end Richard Owens he will not make the 53-man roster.

"It was a surprise to us," agent Jeff Chilcoat said. "But hopefully, he’ll find a new team soon."

With Owens cut, the Vikings are expected to keep only Visanthe Shiancoe, Jim Kleinsasser and Jeff Dugan, who also will line up as a fullback.

Although the cut deadline isn't until tomorrow afternoon, the Vikings apparently are starting the process early.

Don't be surprised if veteran WR Billy McMullen and RB Ciatrick Fason are among the notable cuts.

The other positions of interest are:

* Defensive line. What are they going to do with the glut of players? Erasmus James still doesn't look right. Meanwhile, Brian Robison, Ray Edwards and Kenechi Udeze look like locks. Then you've got versatile veteran Darrion Scott and promising players such as Khreem Smith and Jayme Mitchell. A trade is possible, given the importance of this position.

Inside, Howard Green, Spencer Johnson and Fred Evans are the primary competitors to back up Kevin Williams and Pat Williams. I would be shocked if they keep Green, Johnson and Evans.

* Safety. I would imagine the Vikings are trying to trade a safety. Unfortunately, teams usually aren't willing to give up draft picks for this position.
Tank Williams would appear the odd man out.

* Receiver. Sidney Rice, Troy Williamson and Bobby Wade are locks. Robert Ferguson's experience and athleticism are needed. That leaves players such as Aundrae Allison, Billy McMullen, Chandler Williams, Cortez Hankton, Martin Nance and Jason Carter competing for the other couple of spots.

But Williams has had a problem with ball security the entire preseason.

If there is one position the Vikings may try to trade for, I would say it's offensive line. Since no one has asserted himself at right guard or right tackle, the Vikings may need to bring in another veteran.