One Area of the Vikings Offense Continues to be a Concern

It has been a constant theme during Kevin O’Connell’s time as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and 2026 looks like it may be no different. The run game continues to be a major concern for the Vikings offense.

One Area of the Vikings Offense Continues to be a Concern

Running back was an area many thought the Vikings might look to improve this offseason; however, the only addition was sixth-round rookie Demond Claiborne. The speedster out of Wake Forest is an intriguing prospect but looks some way off being a consistent runner. At least early in his career, getting him out in open space through the passing game may be the best way to make him effective.

The same can be said for Zavier Scott who is looking to earn his way onto the roster for a second season. Scott, who also played WR in college, has shown plenty of prowess as a catcher, with a touchdown and seven first-down grabs last season.

However, there is little to suggest he will ever be able to carry a significant workload toting the rock. The heavy lifting in the running game will once again be done by Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, which just feels a bit underwhelming.

Is Jordan Mason Going to be the New RB1?

I’m not saying Jones and Mason are bad. At one point Jones was a top RB in the league but approaching 32 those days are past him. This season will almost certainly be his last in Minnesota and it’s going to be a case of just seeing what he has left.

Mason has a reputation as a good between-the-tackles runner, but it has been interesting to see him looking trimmer and faster this year. Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips publicly praised him for losing weight during the offseason.

That’s an important development as the wide zone rushing scheme that the Vikings employ requires speed and agility to get to the edge more than it does strength and power to charge up the middle. Is Mason readying himself to become the Vikings RB1?

He has proved himself an efficient runner since he entered the league and his six rushing touchdowns last season were a career high. The best chance for the Vikings to make a leap forward with their rushing attack this year could come from Mason taking on a heavy workload. His one drawback is he doesn’t offer much in the passing game.

Vikings Running Backs Rank Low

The Vikings’ rushing attack looks weak in comparison to its counterparts, especially in the division where I personally ranked them the worst grouping in the NFC North. Pro Football Focus ranked the Vikings running backs 29th across the league with only the New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders, and Jacksonville Jaguars seen as worse.

A couple of points that PFF makes about the Vikings rushing attack are concerns over staying healthy. Jones is at a stage in his career where nagging injuries are piling up. They also say the Vikings need to improve up front on the offensive line. Injuries were a major problem on the OL last season in Minnesota, so better health will help. There is also a new offensive line head coach after Keith Carter was promoted. 

With the starters mostly sitting out during the preseason games, we’ve seen a backup OL that has struggled. The Vikings need to hit the ground running in Week 1 and while I have a concern over the center position, the Vikings should have enough to at least produce a solid run game. If they can find enough consistency to complement the passing game then the Vikings can return to the dynamic offense we are accustomed to, rather than the mess it often was last season.

Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.