With the NFL season less than a week away, excitement is bubbling in Minnesota. The Vikings are coming off an unforgettable 14-3 regular season in 2024, only to see it end in heartbreak with a Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
The offseason brought change at quarterback, with Sam Darnold leaving for Seattle, but the conversation in Minnesota has shifted to the backfield. At the heart of it is a battle between proven veterans and hungry young runners.
Who Are the Four Running Backs That Made the 53-Man Roster for Minnesota?
Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones, the seasoned Pro Bowler, doesn’t have much left to prove. Last season, he turned in the best year of his career, racking up over 1,500 scrimmage yards and reminding everyone why he’s one of the league’s most versatile backs.
At 30 years old, Jones has built his reputation on consistency and reliability, the kind of player who doesn’t just make plays, but calms an offense when the pressure mounts. But the Vikings know how quickly a heavy workload can wear down a running back.
As good as Jones has been, the team is careful not to burn him out, which opens the door for someone new.
Jordan Mason
Enter Jordan Mason. At 26, he’s not just fighting for carries; he’s fighting for his place in the league’s spotlight. Last year with San Francisco, Mason showed glimpses of being a future star. His bruising style, the way he bounces off tackles and keeps pushing forward, makes him a natural fit for Minnesota’s offense.
However, injuries slowed him down, and now he arrives in Minnesota with something to prove: that he can stay healthy and be more than just a complementary piece. For Mason, this season is a chance to grow from “promising backup” to a trusted RB1.
Zavier Scott
Then there is the underdog tale of Zavier Scott. In 2024, he was building his position in the practice squad and now has the opportunity to make his name known this season. His desire to put in the grunt work on special teams has helped him earn a place on the roster following an outstanding preseason.
Ty Chandler
This is where the depth chart becomes more interesting for Minnesota. Ty Chandler understands what it’s like to feel on edge. He was drafted in 2022, and while he has occasionally shown flashes of brilliance of being a potential starter for the team, he never had the steady role he has long desired.
Chandler is in a “prove it” year where he must demonstrate that he is a part of a crowded running back group, with Jones and Mason at the forefront. He started the season as the Vikings’ RB3, but a knee injury in Week 1 got him placed on the injured reserve.
Vikings vs. Falcons Week 2 SNF Preview
The Vikings will host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 on Sunday Night Football. Minnesota started the season 1-0 after a thrilling comeback win against the Chicago Bears, where their young quarterback J.J. McCarthy emerged as a star.
The Falcons came close to defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 but unfortunately lost 23-20 after their kicker, Younghoe Koo, missed a game-tying attempt.
Penix has looked great so far, but going against Brian Flores’ defense will be a tough challenge for him. However, he has players like Drake London, Bijan Robinson, Darnell Mooney, and Kyle Pitts to make things easier for him.
As for the Vikings, they’ll need consistency from McCarthy, who threw for 143 yards and two touchdowns on his NFL debut.
