Cockerham cut as Vikings reduce squad to 51 players

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Former Golden Gophers quarterback Billy Cockerham was among 14 players cut by the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday as the squad trimmed its roster to 51 players.

Cockerham led the University of Minnesota to an 8-3 record in 1999 and an appearance in the Sun Bowl. He was the fourth quarterback in training camp -- behind Daunte Culpepper, Bubby Brister and Todd Bouman -- and also worked with special teams and the defensive backfield.

The Vikings also cut were tight ends Matt Cercone and Giles Cole, wide receiver Darryl Daniel, linebackers Antico Dalton and Troy Pelshak, offensive linemen Chris Harrison and Jay Humphrey, fullback John Henry Mills, cornerbacks Don Morgan, Roderick Mullen and Darnell Walker, guard Nick O'Brien and defensive end Fernando Smith.

The Vikings open the season at noon Sunday at the Metrodome against the Chicago Bears.