The Vikings had relegated Donovan McNabb to running the scout team in recent week. It is believed that the veteran asked for his release after being informed he would be the third quarterback on the depth chart for the rest of the season. The change meant McNabb, 35, would have had virtually no chance to get back on the field even if something happened to rookie Christian Ponder. Joe Webb has been getting more snaps in practice. Reports said McNabb's agent, Fletcher Smith, made the request for his release. That may have happened, but not until McNabb was informed of Minnesota's decision to demote him.