A Young Vikings Skill Guy Gets Stolen Away

Running back Audric Estime wasn’t in town for very long. The new Vikings skill guy is no longer a Vikings skill guy.

Check out what Jordan Schultz had to say: “Sources: The #Browns are signing RB Audric Estime off the #Vikings practice squad to their 53-man roster. The 23-year-old Estime brings 508 career rushing yards, 130 receiving yards and 3 TDs to Cleveland.” So, back to the drawing board if there’s a desire for a practice squad runner, as has been the case for the 2026 season.

New Vikings Skill Guy is Poached Off Practice Squad

At least from the outside looking in, GM Nolan Teasley appears to be somebody who likes to tinker.

He has demonstrated a fondness for churning through tryout players. And then after the tryouts there have often been a variety of levers pulled to keep churning through the practice squad players. Teasley has been outspoken about how he views the Vikings as a 70-player team — the 53-man roster alongside the practice squad talent — rather than the more standard view that considers just the active roster.

In 2026, the practice squad has been featured on Sunday, especially since Minnesota has been sorting through some turmoil at running back.

After Week 1, Jordan Mason arrived at the facility with a sore thumb. Some further medical tests showed that there was a need to go to the IR to ensure a small fracture could fully heal. He’s expected back in Week 7.

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Veteran Aaron Jones has been shouldering a huge workload, averaging more than 20 touches per game from Week 2 through to Week 5. There have been some bumps and bruises alongside some moments when Jones was visibly in pain. He has nevertheless found a way to make it through, playing some rock-solid football along the way. Few, if any, are as respected in that locker room as Mr. Jones.

Otherwise, the team has seen some modest contributions arrive from DeeJay Dallas and Demond Claiborne, neither of whom look capable of being leaned on for a huge workload at running back. Claiborne has a ton of potential but the game appears to be moving quickly for the rookie. Dallas doesn’t have the same burst but he’s physical and competitive.

Audric Estime got into the NFL in the 5th Round of the 2024 NFL Draft, scooped up at No. 147 overall by the Denver Broncos. He has since done work for Denver, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Minnesota. Go ahead and add Cleveland into the mix.

Estime’s career has involved 122 carries for 508 yards and 3 touchdowns. As a pass catcher, the former Vikings skill guy has snagged 17 catches for 130 yards.

The Minnesota Vikings are currently working through a bye. Getting healthy is perhaps the main focus for a 5-0 team that’s looking to keep shining from Week 7 onward.

Audric Estime, 23, stands at 5’11” and weighs 227 pounds.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.