Credit score: Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Photographs
Veteran operating again Ameer Abdullah has been across the block a time or two. He’s placing his footwear (cleats?) on to take one other lap.
Ex-Vikings RB Now with Jags
Proper now, the Vikings are working with a operating again room that boasts a pleasant mix of gamers. Most prominently, there’s the older Aaron Jones — a well-rounded participant who gives wonderful management — alongside the highly effective, rugged Jordan Mason. These two are going to shoulder the vast majority of the burden inside the floor assault.
Additional enhancing the upside is rookie newcomer Demond Claiborne, a Sixth-Spherical choice from the 2026 NFL Draft. Claiborne is a powerful man, in no small half as a consequence of his work ethic, resilience, and his all-world pace. Even higher, there’s a brand new fullback on the town. Including Max Bredeson is a delight to J.J. McCarthy and all soccer followers who get pleasure from old style ball.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) fingers the ball off to Minnesota Vikings operating again Jordan Mason (27) in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers in the course of the first quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs
Any individual who used to hold the ball for the Vikings was Ameer Abdullah, a runner who received his begin with the Lions earlier than working for varied NFL franchises. Contemplate the place Mr. Abdullah has performed:
Detroit Lions (2015-18)
Minnesota Vikings (2018-2021)
Carolina Panthers (2021)
Las Vegas Raiders (2022-2024)
San Francisco 49ers (2025)
Indianapolis Colts (2025)
Tack on the Jacksonville Jaguars as the latest crew to get labored into the combo. Travelling southward makes numerous sense. For starters, there’s the Jaguars having seen Travis Etienne transfer on. However then there’s the sturdy Vikings affect as a consequence of Grant Udinski working because the OC.
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Contemplate, as nicely, the standing of LG Ezra Cleveland, QB Nick Mullens, and WR Tim Jones. Every performed for the Vikings up to now. Go forward and toss Abdullah into the combo as yet one more connection.
At 32, Abdullah is getting near the tip of his profession. He’s very prone to have a ceiling sitting at RB3, a participant who can helps on specials whereas pinch hitting on offense (although sparingly). His stats final season contain 14 carries for 60 yards (4.3 yards-per-carry common) and 1 landing. Extra promising is that he turned 17 targets into 16 catches for 99 yards, incomes a 1st down on 4 events.
Oct 20, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions huge receiver Marvin Jones (11) talks with Minnesota Vikings operating again Ameer Abdullah (31) after the sport at Ford Area. Obligatory Credit score: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports activities
Do a ultimate tally and Abdullah reveals 86 performs on offense for 2025 alongside 135 performs on particular groups.
The truth is, Abdullah had 19 kickoff returns final 12 months, turning these probabilities into a complete of 563 yards for a beefy 29.6 yards-per-return common. His finest return went for an explosive 81 yards.
In Minnesota, Myles Value alongside Tai Felton are prone to deal with kickoffs. Newcomer Dillon Bell has a shot. Mr. Value may be very prone to be the punt returner.
The NFL will likely be releasing the schedule for the 2026 season on Thursday, Might 14th. The Vikings and the Jaguars aren’t scheduled to play one another. Not less than in idea, the 2 sides may battle for the Tremendous Bowl since they play inside totally different conferences. Little doubt, that chance seems extraordinarily unlikely, however most would have mentioned the identical about Seahawks v. Patriots in Might of 2025.
Matthew Hinton-Imagn Photographs
Ameer Abdullah will flip 33 in June. He stands at 5’9″ and 203 kilos.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. E mail: ok.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
