Vikings Training Camp Sneak Peek: Running Backs
It was a fascinating stretch between 2007 and 2022 when, for 16 straight seasons, the Minnesota Vikings had one of the league’s most explosive running backs on their roster. Adrian Peterson and Dalvin Cook were the faces of some outstanding rushing attacks and focal points in many Vikings offenses. By releasing Cook in the 2023 offseason, the era of workhorse runners ended.
Who’s in the Room Entering Vikings Training Camp?
The official depth chart shows six running backs at the time of this writing, but re-signing Cam Akers is rumored to be on the team’s wishlist.
1. Aaron Jones
Following the disastrous running attack in 2023, changes had to be made. The Vikings released a longtime backup and last year’s starter, Alexander Mattison, one year after signing a two-year contract. To take his place, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acquired Green Bay’s former top rusher, Aaron Jones.
The 29-year-old has been one of the better rushers of his generation, averaging excellent 5.0 yards per carry. He’s also a dual threat with at least 30 receptions in five straight seasons. A hamstring and a knee injury slowed him down in 2023, but he returned late in the year, posting over 100 rushing yards in five consecutive contests. An age-related decline is possible, perhaps even likely, but he was still explosive last season.
2. Ty Chandler
Running back Ty Chandler was a fifth-round pick in the regime’s first draft in 2022. He possesses exciting athleticism, especially his 4.38 40-yard dash showcased his speed. A fractured thumb and the crowded backfield with Cook and Mattison limited his output in his debut season.
With the continued struggles last year, Chandler slowly earned more carries. When Mattison missed the contest in Week 15, Chandler started and became Minnesota’s first 100-yard player in the rushing column. While he didn’t get the nod to be the RB1 in 2024, an increased snap count is possible.
3. DeWayne McBride
Last year’s seventh-rounder was viewed as a potential steal right after the draft. DeWayne McBride produced jaw-dropping numbers in college, but it turned out that the level at UAB helped him. When he had the chance to compete in training camp, Chandler easily beat him, and in the preseason, McBride looked slow compared to him.
He did not get a chance to prove himself in the regular season despite the problems of the remaining players in the room. Still, after producing over 3,000 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns in the final two college seasons, there might be some hidden potential.
4. Myles Gaskin
Following the roster cuts, Minnesota acquired free agent Myles Gaskin. Once a college star at Washington with 5,323 rushing yards, Gaskin was selected in the seventh round by Brian Flores’ Dolphins in 2019. He became the starter in 2020 but has barely seen the field in the last two seasons.
At age 27, it is unlikely that he will suddenly be a big factor in the backfield, but he provides some experience.
5. Kene Nwangwu
After three seasons, the 2021 fourth-rounder is who he is: A phenomenal kick returner who doesn’t provide much value on offense. Through those seasons, the former Iowa State runner rushed 27 times for 88 yards. The theory of some added snaps on offense returns annually, but it doesn’t seem likely.
6. C.J. Ham
Fullback C.J. Ham is one of the rare fullbacks in the league. The 30-year-old had the fewest touches of his career in 2023, and O’Connell’s offense doesn’t rely on the fullback as much as the previous staff. However, he received a lot of snaps as the lone running back on third downs to showcase his fantastic pass-blocking skills. Releasing him would free $2.5 million in cap space, but his leadership skills would be missed. He went to the Pro Bowl as an alternative after his 2023 season.
Competition Overview + Prediction
There won’t be competition for the starting job. Jones is RB1 after signing a one-year contract for $7 million. Chandler will back him up. The duo will get the vast majority of touches from the backfield. If Chandler performs well, he might get some additional touches.
Behind them, the Vikings will have a competition between McBride, Gaskin, and possibly another acquisition for perhaps one roster spot. Nwangwu will try to make the case for some workload on offense.
The club will keep the duo of Jones and Chandler, as well as a third running back who is currently not on the team. Nwangwu stays in his special team role, and team captain Ham will remain on the roster.
Editor’s Note: Information from Over the Cap and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt