5 best training camp battles for Vikings in 2019
1. No. 2 running back
After Dalvin Cook suffered a torn ACL as a rookie in 2017, Jerick McKinnon (991 total yards, 51 receptions) and Latavius Murray (842 rushing yards, eight touchdowns) filled the void capably. Cook also missed five games last season with a hamstring issue, and Murray is leaving behind 162 touches (140 carries), 578 rushing yards and six scores on the ground after signing with the New Orleans Saints in free agency.
The Vikings drafted Alexander Mattison in the third round of April’s draft, so the odds are tilted in his favor to replace Murray as Cook’s primary backup. Mike Boone (eight carries) was essentially the No. 3 running back last year, and his upside is intriguing. Roc Thomas earned a roster spot with a strong 2018 preseason, but was waived midseason and then brought back on a futures contract.
Former Lion Ameer Abdullah suited up for seven games after being picked up last season, but he primarily played on special teams (10 kickoff returns) and had just one catch. Thomas’ felony drug possession charge in March subjects him to a suspension from the NFL, but that has not come yet.
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If Cook struggles to stay healthy again, his backup(s) will be forced into a prominent role. A combination of Mattison and Boone, not unlike McKinnon and Murray in 2017, might be that answer. But during camp, and definitely into preseason games, the battle to be the clear No. 2 on the depth chart will be a key one to watch.