Running Backs:
- Locks: Dalvin Cook, Latavius Murray, Mike Boone
- Odd Man Out: Roc Thomas
Things were looking great for Thomas after a big preseason debut in Denver, but Boone responded with a big game against Jacksonville and a solid performance against Seattle. During the latter, Boone played all of the snaps until leaving in the fourth quarter after Cook and Murray departed with the first string.
The usage of Boone against Seattle could have been the Vikings tipping their hands as the team wanted to get an extended look at the Cincinnati product or didn’t want to put any more of Thomas on tape in case a team was interested after his breakout performance in Denver.
Either way, it’s doubtful that the Vikings keep four running backs and Boone’s versatility in the passing game and upside should give him the advantage.
Fullbacks:
- Lock: C.J. Ham
- Odd Men Out: Kobe McCrary, Luke McNitt
NFL teams don’t typically carry multiple fullbacks on the roster. With McCrary being signed after Johnny Stanton went down with a leg injury and McNitt being more of a camp body, it’s unlikely that Ham will lose his job.
On the flipside, Ham has shown off his versatility this preseason by making some nice plays in the passing game. The fullback position may be dying, but Ham has shown a willingness to adapt and maintain a spot on the roster.