MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Vikings are bringing quarterback Taylor Heinicke back from the non-football injury list. To make room for him, they released a once-promising prospect whose time with the team hasn't turned out the way the Vikings hoped.

The team released MyCole Pruitt on Tuesday, parting with the second-year player after a season full of knee injuries. Former offensive coordinator Norv Turner lauded Pruitt's versatility when the Vikings drafted him in the fifth round last season, and he played 16 games largely as a blocking tight end a year ago. But after he sprained his MCL in the preseason, Pruitt has played just two games this season. He was one of two healthy tight ends inactive on Sunday against the Lions.

The Vikings had hopes of Heinicke competing for the No. 2 job in the preseason, but the second-year quarterback started on the non-football injury list after severing a tendon in his left foot while trying to kick down a door in July. Heinicke, who was trying to help his friend get into his locked apartment after seeing a movie, put his foot through a glass pane and needed surgery before training camp.

His return gives the Vikings three quarterbacks on their active roster. Pruitt, meanwhile, will need to clear waivers if the Vikings have any hopes of putting him on the practice squad.