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Sports

ESPN Calls Out Biggest Weakness for Vikings

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Vikngs RB Jordan Mason rushes the ball on TNF
Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) rushes the ball against Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings’ regular season is less than 10 weeks away, and when the team gets there, the rushing offense is evidently a concern, according to ESPN. The sports media giants sized up the Vikings’ roster, including strengths and weaknesses, on Monday, and Minnesota’s running backs got the unfortunate nod.

It’s true, too. The Vikings made no significant strides to improve the ground attack, except for using a 6th-Round draft pick on Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne.

Could Demond Claiborne Change the Conversation?

Aaron Jones reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Bears. Vikings running back weakness
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones reacted after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears, adding another highlight to a physical NFC North road matchup. On November 24, 2024, at Soldier Field, Jones celebrated in the second half as Minnesota’s offense found the end zone in Chicago against a division opponent. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images.

ESPN: Vikings’ Roster Weaknesses = RB

Mike Clay made Minnesota’s top roster deficiency quite clear. He wrote, “Biggest weakness: Running back. It was a bit surprising that Minnesota did little to address this position after its running backs finished 30th in both rushing yards and scrimmage yards last season.”

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“Aaron Jones Sr. has been solid throughout his career, but he’s entering his age-31 season and ranked dead last among 65 qualified backs in forced missed tackle rate and elusive rating in 2025, per PFF. Jordan Mason is an effective rusher (career 5.1 YPC) but isn’t a receiving option (28 career receptions). Undersized sixth-rounder Demond Claiborne was the team’s only offseason addition of note.”

On the other hand, Clay called the Vikings’ wide receivers the top roster strength. Perhaps the groups will balance.

The Unit in July

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Without early- or mid-round rookie runners like Jonah Coleman or Mike Washington, who were available to the Vikings in the draft, Minnesota will enter training camp with the group:

  • Aaron Jones
  • Jordan Mason
  • Demond Claiborne
  • Zavier Scott
  • Kejon Owens

Jones and Mason figure to split the RB1 workload — like last year — with Claiborne and Scott battling it out for the RB3 job at training camp and in the preseason. Owens will either make the practice squad or get cut in late August.

In free agency, the Vikings could have explored Travis Etienne (NO), Kenneth Walker III (KC), Rico Dowdle (PIT), Isiah Pacheco (DET), or Kenneth Gainwell (TB) but took the plunge with none, instead re-upping with Jones at a reduced price. He accepted a paycut to stay in Minnesota through the end of 2026.

Jordan Mason warms up before a Vikings game against the Eagles. Vikings running back weakness
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason warmed up before a home matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium, preparing for another Sunday role in Minnesota’s backfield. On October 19, 2025, in Minneapolis, Mason went through pregame work as the Vikings readied for Philadelphia and another physical NFC test. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Other veterans like Najee Harris, Joe Mixon, and Austin Ekeler remain on the open market if injuries rattle Jones or Mason.

The Efficiency Last Year

In 2025, another season when the Vikings publicly announced they would run the ball more, they ranked 15th in Rush EPA and 13th in Rush DVOA. The efficiency passed the test, but Minnesota ranked 19th in rush playcall percentage. In fact, per the DVOA stat, the Vikings ranked 13th-best running the football while calling rush plays the 13th-least.

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Therefore, a fix could be simple: commit to running the ball. It’s just that head coach Kevin O’Connell has been unusually reluctant to embrace the theory, probably because he’s a former quarterback who, when in doubt, dials up pass plays.

Thankfully, the rushing frequency spiked in December last season, and Minnesota won five straight games to close out the year. Perhaps O’Connell learned a lesson that will carry over to 2026.

Claiborne as the Big Hope

Claiborne, nicknamed “Lightning,” isn’t your average rookie running back vying for a roster spot this summer. Beyond the cool nickname, his football profile suggests he could be a game-changer. If Claiborne can inject even a fraction of De’Von Achane’s explosive energy into the Minnesota offense, it could elevate the unit to an entirely new level.

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The comparisons to Achane are well-founded. Claiborne possesses a similar build and a knack for creating explosive plays. Crucially, he now has the opportunity to work with Frank Smith, who coached Achane in Miami for three years. There’s a tangible connection.

Demond Claiborne carries the football against Miami. Vikings running back weakness
Wake Forest running back Demond Claiborne carried the football against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium, flashing the speed that later made him a Vikings intrigue piece. On November 23, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Claiborne worked through second-quarter action for the Demon Deacons in a late-season ACC road matchup versus Miami. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.

Should the Vikings finally establish a formidable ground game under O’Connell, the impact would be substantial. A dominant running attack would alleviate pressure on the quarterback and punish defenses for overcommitting to Justin Jefferson. The Vikings haven’t employed a dominant running back arguably since 2021 or 2022 when Dalvin Cook was still running wild.

While O’Connell’s play-calling genius is undeniable, he also needs to reveal his ability to construct a winning offense that isn’t solely reliant on the passing game to solve every problem. Claiborne might just be the catalyst that helps him achieve that balance.

Claiborne comps profile somewhere between Achane, Jerick McKinnon, and Nyheim Hines. Fans will begin to get a sense of his style and production in 68 days, when the regular season kicks off.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
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Braves activate OF Ronald Acuna Jr. from injured list

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Jul 4, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) during batting practice before a game against the New York Mets at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Colin Hubbard-Imagn ImagesJul 4, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) during batting practice before a game against the New York Mets at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Colin Hubbard-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves reinstated star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. from the 10-day injured list ahead of Monday’s series opener against the host New York Mets.

The five-time All-Star is batting .251 with seven homers, 22 RBIs and 15 stolen bases in 53 games during an injury-plagued campaign.

Acuna, 28, has not played with the Braves since June 9 due to a left hamstring strain, the same injury that kept him out for more than two weeks in May.

The 2023 National League MVP, Acuna is a career .287 hitter with 193 homers, 481 RBIs and 220 steals in 870 games since making his debut with Atlanta in 2018.

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The Braves optioned outfielder Brewer Hicklen, 30, to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. He batted .368 (7-for-19) with four doubles and three RBIs in eight games.

–Field Level Media

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3 Shocking Ways Oba Femi Can Defeat Brock Lesnar at WWE SummerSlam 2026

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Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi are set to write the final chapter of one of WWE’s biggest rivalries of 2026. After splitting victories in their first two encounters, the two powerhouses are set to collide inside Hell in a Cell at SummerSlam. Thus, raising the stakes for what has already become a career-defining feud for the rising Nigerian star.

Oba shocked the WWE Universe by defeating Lesnar at WrestleMania 42, proving he belonged in the main-event scene. However, The Beast Incarnate bounced back later at Clash in Italy. Thus, ensuring that the score remains tied heading into SummerSlam. With everything on the line, Triple H could book another unforgettable moment that firmly establishes Femi as WWE’s next dominant attraction.

That said, in this article, we look at three shocking ways Oba Femi could defeat Brock Lesnar at WWE SummerSlam 2026.

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#3. Oba Femi survives multiple F-5s before finally putting Brock Lesnar away

Brock Lesnar has built his legendary career by overwhelming opponents with unmatched explosiveness. Many of his biggest victories have come after a single F-5. Meanwhile, only a select few competitors have managed to survive repeated finishers from The Beast.

Thus, SummerSlam could present an opportunity for WWE to elevate Oba Femi into that exclusive category. The Ruler could simply refuse to stay down. Lesnar might connect with one F-5 after another, growing increasingly frustrated as his opponent continues kicking out. The Minneapolis crowd would likely become more invested with every near fall, sensing that they are witnessing the arrival of a new superstar.

The turning point could come when Brock Lesnar attempts a third or fourth F-5, only for Oba Femi to counter it into a devastating Fall From Grace before immediately following up with another crushing power move for the victory.

This ending would accomplish two major objectives. The Beast Incarnate would lose nothing because he had clearly dominated large stretches of the contest. Meanwhile, Femi would earn enormous credibility by surviving an assault that very few WWE Superstars have ever endured.

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If Triple H wants fans to believe Oba belongs alongside Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and Cody Rhodes as one of WWE’s elite attractions, having him overcome Lesnar’s most devastating offense would make the perfect statement.

#2. Oba Femi embraces the brutality of Hell in a Cell and outlasts The Beast

Hell in a Cell has always rewarded competitors who can adapt to extreme environments.

Although Brock Lesnar has participated in several violent stipulation matches throughout his career, Oba Femi has consistently shown that he thrives when physicality reaches another level. Their rivalry has already featured intense confrontations since Femi’s WrestleMania 42 upset victory. Thus, making a Cell match the ideal setting for the rubber match.

Instead of trying to wrestle The Beast Incarnate conventionally, The Ruler could fully embrace the unforgiving nature of the structure.

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Imagine Oba repeatedly driving Lesnar into the steel walls, countering German Suplexes into crushing spinebusters against the Cell wall, and surviving every comeback attempt through sheer determination. The match would evolve into less of a wrestling contest and more of a war of endurance.

Late in the encounter, Brock Lesnar might even lock in the Kimura Lock, appearing moments away from forcing a submission. However, Oba Femi could use his incredible strength to power out, perhaps slam Lesnar through a table positioned inside the Cell, and hit one final Fall From Grace to secure the biggest victory of his career.

This ending would not only complete one of WWE’s most compelling rivalries of the year but would also symbolically mark the passing of the torch.

Defeating Brock Lesnar inside Hell in a Cell would instantly become the defining moment of Oba Femi’s career. It would validate his WrestleMania triumph and settle the trilogy once and for all. Also, it would establish him as one of WWE’s most dominant stars heading into the remainder of 2026.

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Considering the company has invested heavily in presenting Femi as the company’s next breakout powerhouse, there may be no bigger stage or more convincing way to cement his arrival than by conquering The Beast Incarnate in one of the most brutal matches in WWE history.

#1. Paul Heyman betrays Brock Lesnar and helps Oba Femi score the biggest win of his career

Few moments in WWE history have been as shocking as Paul Heyman turning on one of his longtime clients. Although Heyman and Brock Lesnar have shared one of the most successful partnerships in wrestling history, SummerSlam 2026 could provide the perfect stage for an unexpected betrayal.

As the match reaches its climax, The Beast Incarnate could be moments away from victory after delivering an F-5 inside Hell in a Cell. However, instead of celebrating, The Oracle could create a shocking distraction.

Whether he pulls the referee out of the ring during the count or even strikes Lesnar with a low blow while the official is distracted, Heyman could leave the WWE Universe stunned. The betrayal would give Femi the opening he needs to deliver a thunderous Fall From Grace and pin The Beast clean in the middle of the ring.

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Such a finish would instantly become one of the biggest moments of SummerSlam 2026. Also, it would open several intriguing storylines. Lesnar would seek revenge against his former advocate while Heyman introduces Oba Femi as WWE’s next unstoppable force.

For Femi, defeating Brock Lesnar with the backing of one of wrestling’s greatest masterminds would elevate him into the main-event scene. Also, it would cement him as one of Triple H’s biggest success stories of the year.