![](https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2023/08/USATSI_18979915.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
The Minnesota Vikings have unofficially crowned Greg Joseph the winner of the kicking competition as they released K Jack Podlesny and signed RB Aaron Dykes. The move was announced by the team on Thursday morning.
The Vikings brought in Dykes for a visit two weeks ago when they signed running back Abram Smith.
Dykes went undrafted this April out of Richmond but saw success for the Spiders at the FCS level. He ran for 777 yards and four touchdowns while also catching 29 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns in his final season.
Podlesny looked to be kicking well during practice, but a red flag was raised when he didn’t kick at all in the first preseason game. Joseph had a great game and earned the job.
The Dykes signing is for depth, as Kene Nwangwu still hasn’t returned to practice.