5 options to be the Minnesota Vikings’ 2019 punt returner
By Chris Schad
Ameer Abdullah – RB
Continuing with the theme of finding a different way to get an explosive athlete on the field, the Vikings could also make use of running back Ameer Abdullah in the punt return position.
Abdullah has never fielded a punt return in the NFL, but he has seen success as a kick returner, averaging 27.5 yards per return over his career and leading the league in both returns and yardage during his rookie season in 2015.
What makes Abdullah an intriguing prospect here is his athleticism. As a 98th percentile SPARQ athlete, his concerns have had little to do with ability as opposed to his health.
With his yards per carry trending downward since his rookie season, using Abdullah as a punt returner can get the ball into his hands while also saving the other important pieces in the Vikings’ offense for when they have the ball.
A big concern here would be Abdullah’s history of fumbling the football (eight fumbles in 385 career touches). But with his athleticism, he’s at least an interesting option.