Charles Gordon, a rookie free agent from Kansas University, signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad Sunday after he was one of 21 players released by the Vikings a day earlier.

Gordon, who had one year of college eligibility remaining before opting to turn pro, was an early surprise in the Vikings’ preseason camp, but then suffered knee cartilage damage during a practice session.

Gordon came back from the injury, but made only a brief appearance in the Vikes’ final preseason game. Coaches projected the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder from Carson, Calif., as a punt returner and backup cornerback.

With the waiving of Gordon, five former KU players are on NFL opening-day rosters – Justin Hartwig of Carolina, David McMillian of Cleveland, Don Davis of New England, Adrian Jones of the New York Jets and Moran Norris of San Francisco.