6 surprises from the first unofficial Minnesota Vikings depth chart

(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Kirk Cousins and Mike Zimmer
(Photo by Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Kirk Cousins and Mike Zimmer /
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FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 02: Ameer Abdullah #31 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) Ameer Abdullah – Minnesota Vikings /

5. Questionable running back order

The first two running backs on the depth chart should be pretty simple. Dalvin Cook will once again return to be the primary ball carrier with the team’s third-round draft pick Alexander Mattison acting as his backup and in short-yardage situations.

Past that, most fans assumed Mike Boone would be third on the depth chart since he saw the field last season when Cook and the now-departed Latavius Murray weren’t available. However, that’s not the case.

In a surprise move that is somewhat baffling, Ameer Abdullah is listed as the team’s third running back. Perhaps they think his swiftness and speed are more like what Cook is capable of on the field, but the reason for Boone’s demotion is a bit confusing.

The Minnesota Vikings seem to really like Abdullah a lot after picking him up as a free agent after he was let go by Detroit in 2018. Whether or not the shine they took to him will pay dividends on the football field has yet to be seen.