Minnesota Vikings 53 man roster projection: Preseason edition

Running backs (5)

The Minnesota Vikings are really hoping to get their running game going in 2019. Last year, there were times Minnesota couldn’t move the football on the ground at all and that meant the offense was one-dimensional and defenses could hone in on the passing game. But with a new face in the mix and some work done on the offensive line, there are reasons to be hopeful for change.

Here are the running backs projected to be on the team’s 53-man roster:

1. Dalvin Cook
2. Alexander Mattison
3. Ameer Abdullah
4. Mike Boone
5. C.J. Ham

Cook will return as the team’s number one rushing option. When healthy, his acceleration and shiftiness make him one of the most dynamic runners in the game and some better blocking in front of him could open up bigger holes, assist with screens, and let him get a better distance before contact.

The departure of Latavius Murray opened the door for the Vikings to use a higher draft pick on a running back. Minnesota did just that by selecting Mattison in the third round. A power runner with sneaky agility, he won’t wow people with his speed but he will be a tough player for defenses to bring down.

Interestingly enough, Abdullah is listed above Boone on the team’s first unofficial depth chart, but it is on special teams where the former Lions player should see a majority of his snaps. Plus, the team won’t go without a fullback, and C.J. Ham will return to serve that purpose.