The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Houston Texans 20-10 at U.S. Bank Stadium this past Saturday to open their 2025 preseason slate. There were some running back performances that were worth noting and ones that gave the Vikings the answers they were looking for.
Minnesota's No. 1 running back, Aaron Jones, did not play in the team's preseason opener, as most starters on the offensive or defensive side of the ball do not play much during these games. But newcomer Jordan Mason got the start on the first drive of the game and then was pulled on the next drive for the second-string offense.
Mason is a lock to be the backup to Aaron Jones when the Vikings open their season against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. But there is one more spot in the running back room to be desired.
Minnesota Vikings seem to have their RB3 on the roster after preseason win over Houston Texans
For a while now, the Vikings have been trying to find someone that they can comfortably rely on for their backup running back role and their No. 3 running back role. As mentioned, Mason is the lock for the backup job behind Jones. But there was competition for the third running back spot going into Saturday's game.
The Vikings have had Ty Chandler on the roster for a few years now as a backup running back and kick returner. They have been trying everything they can to get him a job in the backfield, but with each passing year, it seems like his play just keeps declining, which is unfortunate.
Chandler finished Saturday's contest with five carries for five yards to go along with three receptions for 20 yards. Chandler, for whatever reason, lacks the burst and explosiveness he showed when Minnesota originally drafted him.
Enter 26-year-old Zavier Scott into the Vikings backfield. He spent all of 2024 on the practice squad, and now he is ready for his chance at a roster spot. Scott finished Saturday's game with seven carries for 40 yards, to go along with one reception for 11 yards.
Whenever Scott got the ball, he was quick on his feet, found the holes that the offensive line was creating for him, and kept churning his legs.
The Vikings have been looking for someone of Scott's caliber for a while now. Scott looks ready to take a roster spot from Chandler, but he will have to prove it as the preseason continues against the New England Patriots in Week 2.