When the Vikings waived fourth-round pick Willie Beavers earlier this month, he became the team’s highest-drafted non-injured rookie not to make the opening roster in 17 years.

Beavers, though, earned a spot Tuesday on the 53-man roster. Minnesota called the guard up from the practice squad.

The Vikings also signed wide receiver Isaac Fruechte and tackle Sean Hickey to the practice squad while releasing cornerback Julian Wilson.

Fruechte, who played at the University of Minnesota, was on the Vikings’ practice squad last season and again was offered a spot after being waived Sept. 3. He opted instead to join Detroit’s practice squad before being released last week.

“Sometimes things don’t work out,” Fruechte said. “But I was thankful for the opportunity (with the Lions), and I’m thankful to be back with the Vikings. Obviously, I’m very familiar with everything here.”

Beavers was waived Sept. 3 by the Vikings and signed the next day to the practice squad. He became the highest-drafted non-injured rookie to not make Minnesota’s opening roster since 1999, when Dimitrius Underwood was taken in the first round with the No. 29 pick.

The Vikings had an open roster spot after having placed running back Adrian Peterson (knee) last week on injured reserve. Beavers will provide depth on the offensive line after Matt Kalil (hip) also was placed last week on injured reserve.

Guard Alex Boone was knocked out in the second quarter of last Sunday’s 22-10 win at Carolina with a hip injury. However, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is hopeful he will be able to play Monday against the New York Giants.

SIRLES SUBS

When Boone was hurt after 19 snaps against the Panthers, Jeremiah Sirles was ready.

Sirles played the final 35 snaps at left guard, and Zimmer said he did a “really good job.” Sirles plays both tackle and guard, and had been working at guard last week in practice.

“You never want to step in for a guy that gets hurt, that’s your buddy,” Sirles said. “But when your number is called, it’s really important you go out to perform at the best level you can.”

Sirles plays while wearing braces on both knees even though he said he’s fully healthy. He said he has done that as a “security blanket” since suffering a torn ACL in high school.

BRIEFLY