Running Backs (4)
- Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, Mike Boone, C.J. Ham (FB)
Much like the quarterbacks, the top two spots on the depth chart at running back were secure when the Vikings entered training camp. With an 85-yard touchdown run against the Cardinals last week, Dalvin Cook proved that he is as explosive as ever and Minnesota seemed to get a solid insurance plan with rookie Alexander Mattison backing him up.
Behind those two inspired a nice battle that saw Mike Boone and Ameer Abdullah slug it out to claim the third running back job. In the end, it seems like Boone did enough to win the role, although it still could go either way.
Boone’s advantage here is his running style, which is similar in a way to Cook’s. With the ability to contribute in both the running and receiving game, the Vikings would have a nice change of pace back to help soften the blow of a Cook injury and even let him carry the mail if Mattison has a typical rookie struggles.
This could also go either way as Abdullah has more experience on special teams, which seemed to be getting worse by the game for Minnesota this preseason. If Mike Zimmer favors boosting the special teams, Abdullah could be the guy. But, once again, this battle could still go either way.