5 most surprising cuts the Minnesota Vikings made in 2021

Ameer Abdullah – RB

Ameer Abdullah is kind of the Dakota Dozier of the running backs. He isn’t overly great and despite this, he continues to make the roster.

Abdullah has been a versatile player for the Vikings not only filling in on offense in certain packages and emergency situations, but he has been a major contributor on special teams. He’s been a great runner, a serviceable punt and kick returner.

Minnesota records loaded with picks heading into last April’s draft. It was assumed they’d take a running back with one of those, and others would be used on guys who could play special teams.

WIth Abdullah not doing a heck of a lot during the 2020 season, many figured he wouldn’t be brought back in 2021, but he was re-signed at the end of March. The fact he was re-signed gave a pretty strong indication that the team had plans for Abdullah and his spot on the roster would be safe.

When final cuts were made Abdullah was one of the last ones named. The team only kept three running backs, which they haven’t done in quite a while.

However, Abdullah may be back with the team sooner than later as Kene Nwangwu is hurt and will likely be placed on injured reserve. This would create an opening at running back and there isn’t a back out there who knows the system the way Abdullah does.