The Ameer Abdullah era in Minnesota has officially come to an end

After getting released by the Minnesota Vikings this past weekend, veteran running back Ameer Abdullah will reportedly sign with the Carolina Panthers.

Since last March, Ameer Abdullah has been signed and released by the Minnesota Vikings a combined six times. After his latest release by the Vikings this past Saturday, it doesn’t seem like the veteran running back will be returning to the Twin Cities this time.

Instead, Abdullah is reportedly taking his talents to the NFC South to become a member of the 3-3 Carolina Panthers, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

The former Nebraska running back first joined Minnesota’s roster midway through the 2018 season and he went on to appear in 45 games for the purple and gold, including six contests this year.

Former Minnesota Vikings running back Ameer Abdullah expected to sign with the Carolina Panthers

With Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve as he recovers from a hamstring injury, the Panthers felt they needed to improve the depth of their running back room. So after facing the Vikings in Week 6 and getting a first-hand look at Abdullah, Carolina has reportedly decided to sign the recently released running back.

Following his latest departure from Minnesota, some felt Abdullah might have had a chance to still return to the Vikings. But the writing was on the wall when Minnesota let him go to make room for another running back/kick returner in rookie Kene Nwangwu.

Abdullah possibly had the option to sign with the Vikings’ practice squad, but he’s opting to go to a place where he will likely get to actually contribute out on the field each week.

During his career with Minnesota, Abdullah rushed for a total of 187 yards on 38 carries (4.9 average) while also catching 27 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns. In addition to his time on offense, he also averaged 24.4 yards on 45 kickoff returns during his time with the Vikings.