Trae Waynes
CB FA
Tue 8/11/20 8:54 AM

Waynes has a pectoral injury that could keep him out for two months, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
The 2015 first-round pick signed a three-year, $42 million contract this offseason, after making 53 starts in five seasons with the Vikings. He's never done better than 65 tackles, 11 pass defenses or three interceptions in a single season, but while he may not offer much IDP value, Waynes was expected to be a key part of the Cincinnati secondary. Any absence could free up a starting job for LeShaun Sims or Darius Phillips, or else the Bengals might try promoting Mackensie Alexander from the nickelback/slot role to an outside spot.

Trae Waynes
CB FA
Tue 3/17/20 5:33 PM

The Bengals are signing Waynes to a three-year, $42 million deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
The No. 11 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft logged 58 tackles and a pick in 14 games with the Vikings last season. With Waynes set to join the Bengals' secondary, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic suggests that Cincinnati may now elect to part ways with Dre Kirkpatrick.

Trae Waynes
CB FA
Wed 1/15/20 4:27 PM

Waynes notched 58 tackles (56 solo), eight defended passes, one interception, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
EDGE Analysis
Waynes also recorded two solo tackles and one defended pass across two playoff contests. The 27-year-old cornerback is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, making his future with the Vikings unclear.

Trae Waynes
CB FA
Thu 11/14/19 4:21 PM

Waynes (ankle) was a full participant in practice Thursday.
EDGE Analysis
Waynes got a limited practice in Wednesday, and coach Mike Zimmer speculated that the 27-year-old would return for Week 11. The upgrade to full a day later suggests he continues to trend in that direction.

Trae Waynes
CB FA
Wed 11/13/19 7:26 PM

Waynes (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.
EDGE Analysis
Coach Mike Zimmer said Monday that he expects Waynes to be ready for Sunday's game against the Broncos after missing Week 10's contest with an ankle issue. Assuming that happens, it could push second-year rookie Mike Hughes back into a reserve role, although Mackensie Alexander's (groin) status is also uncertain.

Trae Waynes
CB FA
Mon 11/11/19 3:57 PM

Coach Mike Zimmer expects Waynes (ankle) to suit up Week 11 against the Broncos.
EDGE Analysis
The Vikings allowed Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup to run wild without Waynes in the fold, racking up 15 catches for 223 yards and two scores. Mike Hughes showed potential as a placeholder, but it'll help to have Waynes opposite Xavier Rhodes as the team makes its playoff push.

Trae Waynes
CB FA
Sun 11/10/19 6:54 PM

Waynes (ankle) won't play in Sunday's game against the Cowboys.
EDGE Analysis
Waynes was looking good for the game midway through the week, but as evidenced by this news, didn't progress enough to suit up. Now that he's officially been ruled out, second-year player Mike Hughes will draw the start opposite Xavier Rhodes at cornerback, with Mackenzie Alexander filling in a slot role.

Trae Waynes
CB FA
Fri 11/8/19 2:45 PM

Waynes (ankle) is expected to play Sunday against the Cowboys, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
EDGE Analysis
Waynes is officially listed as questionable and has been away from the team the last couple days due to a family issue, but he's still expected to be ready to go Sunday. Assuming he suits up, the 27-year-old will start at cornerback opposite Xavier Rhodes, per usual.

Trae Waynes
CB FA
Fri 11/8/19 1:50 PM

Waynes (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Cowboys.
EDGE Analysis
Waynes was limited in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle issue, then missed Thursday's session for reasons unrelated to injury, so his status is something of a question mark. If he's able to suit up Sunday night, Waynes will draw his usual start at cornerback.

Trae Waynes
CB FA
Thu 11/7/19 4:07 PM

Waynes (ankle) did not practice Thursday, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
EDGE Analysis
Waynes was limited in Wednesday's practice due to an ankle issue sustained Week 9, but Thursday's lack of participation doesn't appear to be related to his health. Coach Mike Zimmer said that he expects Waynes to play Sunday against the Cowboys, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. It'll bode well for the starting cornerback's availability if he returns to practice in some capacity Friday.