Why the Vikings should keep five running backs in 2019
By Luke Parrish
Reliable depth on the bench
The one-two punch of Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison should be a solid blend of power and speed for the Vikings this season. Still, they need help behind them.
Ameer Abdullah has the NFL experience to fit on Minnesota’s roster this year. He has been around the league for a minute now and he spent time with the Vikings at the end of last season. Abdullah is also the current favorite to take over Minnesota’s kickoff return duties this year.
His veteran presence in an otherwise young running back room is crucial, especially with Latavius Murray now in New Orleans. Abdullah offers versatility in the offense and on special teams, but he has to clean up his fumbling issues.
That gives the Vikings three solid running backs for 2019. But wait, there’s more. Second-year hopeful Mike Boone is also worthy of a spot on the final roster.
Say, perhaps, the Vikings want to keep Abdullah as the primary return man, he can get hurt at any point. Cook has also battled various injuries in his career and Mattison is an unknown as of right now.
Boone has looked promising in his preseason performances the last two seasons. While that holds minimal significance, for now, it is at least a positive sign for his NFL future.
He saw limited time as a rookie with Minnesota last season, rushing 11 times for just 47 yards. Boone’s highlight of the year came when broke free for a 20-yard rush against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6.
In the Vikings’ first preseason game last week, Boone had a 64-yard touchdown run. His big-play potential and young legs are intriguing. Minnesota could always look to stash Boone on the practice squad this year, but that also gives the rest of the league a chance to swoop in and grab him.