Detroit Lions, NFC North positional previews: Running Backs
Minnesota Vikings
Key returning players: Dalvin Cook, Ameer Abdullah, C.J. Ham
New additions: Alexander Mattison (R)
Key losses: Latavius Murray
In what has become something of a theme in the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings are also banking on the health of a young, talented running back to help compliment a dangerous passing game. Should Dalvin Cook be able to stay on the field in year three, the Vikings could have the type of balanced offense that they have sought for years.
It simply isn’t a given for Cook though, who has played in just 15 games in his first two NFL seasons. When healthy, he offers an impressive combination of explosiveness and elusiveness, along with good receiving skills (40 receptions in 2018). Cook could be at a career crossroads, and the Vikings have taken some steps to protect themselves should he miss more time this year.
The Vikings did not resign veteran power back Latavius Murray, who left for the New Orleans Saints in free agency. In his place, they drafted Boise State’s Alexander Mattison in the third round in April in hopes that he can provide some thunder to go with Cook’s lightning.
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Mattison was a workhorse for the Broncos, totaling a whopping 512 carries in his last two seasons in college. He made the most of them too, averaging 4.9 yards per tote in that time. Ideally, these two would split the load in order to keep everyone fresh.
Former Lion Ameer Abdullah will be competing with Roc Thomas and Mike Boone, two second-year undrafted free agents, for any leftover snaps. Abdullah’s Lions career was a disappointment, but he has a good chance of sticking with the Vikings due to his ability on kick returns. He did not carry the ball once on offense for the Vikings in 2018.
Reliable C.J. Ham returns to handle fullback duties, as well as the occasional receiving target. He remains a critical special teams contributor.
The Vikings finished third from the bottom in rushing yardage in the NFL in 2018, a statistic that must improve for them to have a chance of challenging for the NFC North crown this season. Cook’s health could play a big role in wether Minnesota can accomplish that in 2019.