July 22 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Vikings trimmed their roster to 89, signing rookie defensive tackle Chunky Clements and waiving defensive end Caleb Kidder.
Minnesota announced the moves Friday.
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Former Illinois defensive tackle Chunky Clements signed Friday with the Minnesota Vikings. Photo courtesy of Illini Football/Instagram
Jarrod "Chunky" Clements had 99 tackles and six sacks in 46 games at Illinois before joining the NFL ranks. He's listed at 6-foot-2 and 295 pounds. He also had 25.5 tackles for a loss and four forced fumbles during his college career.
Minnesota waived Kidder after signing Clements. Kidder played college ball at Montana. The 23-year-old was All-Big Sky second-team at defensive end last season for the Grizzlies. Kidder wrapped up his college career with 194 tackles, 29.5 tackles for a loss, 14 sacks, 14 passes defended, three fumble recoveries, two blocks and an interception. Kidder was first-team All-Big Sky at defensive tackle during his junior season.
He was with the Vikings throughout spring workouts.
Vikings rookies report Sunday, with the team's first practice scheduled for Monday at Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minn.
The Vikings' first preseason game is at 6 p.m. on Aug. 10 against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field in Buffalo, N.Y.
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Minnesota owned the third-best defense in the NFL last season in terms of yard allowed; ranking No. 3 in pass defense and 20th in run defense. The Vikings allowed the sixth-fewest points in the NFL.
