Ground Game Takes a Hit as Vikings Runner Gets Stolen Away by NFC North Foe

Seeing the Chicago Bears pull off the pilfer could add some insult to injury for the Minnesota Vikings.

According to KTSP’s Darren Wolfson, Ben Johnson’s team is going to snag running back Zavier Scott. Consider the update on the Vikings runner: “#Vikings wanted RB Zavier Scott back and on their practice squad. But hear he’s expected to land with the #Bears.” Not an ironclad proclamation, Wolfson’s update functions as a strong indicator that Scott may soon have a new employer.

Vikings Runner Zavier Scott Goes to Windy City

Going into cuts, I predicted that Scott would make the team over Demond Claiborne. Frankly, the jettisoned runner had a better offseason than his counterpart, but the coaching staff opted for the 6th-Round rookie.

Rolling with Claiborne over Scott could have come down to a few factors.

For starters, Claiborne is a recent draftee who is younger and under contract for four seasons. Better yet, he boasts elite speed and has the potential to develop into a weapon as a returner. Plus, sliding him down to the practice squad would have almost certainly involved seeing him poached.

Scott, quite possibly, was deemed more likely to slide through to the practice squad untouched. The Bears appear ready to ensure that doesn’t take place.

In Chicago, Ben Johnson — a wizard when calling plays on offense — is pushing Caleb Williams upward in his game. Helping the young passer is a nice collection of pass catchers being led by WR1 Rome Odunze, TE1 Colston Loveland, and TE2 Cole Kmet.

Consider the running back hierarchy in Chicago:

• RB1 D’Andre Swift
• RB2 Roschon Johnson
• RB3 Kyle Monangai

Tossing Scott into the mix means bringing aboard a versatile depth guy with nice size and soft hands. He’s not a very good athlete but Johnson will love the versatility.

In some ways, Zavier Scott’s game is reminiscent of former Vikings RB Matt Asiata. Mr. Asiata stands at 5’11” and roughly 229 pounds; he was a gritty grinder who would earn modest gains consistently. Likewise, Scott boasts a good build (6’1″ and 221 pounds) but limited explosiveness, meaning he could consistently earn a few yards as a pass catcher but seldom anything overly explosive.

Asiata’s career yards-per-carry average sits at 3.5. Scott sees his number at 3.6.

The Vikings have made a vow (yet again) to figure out how to run the football. New Asst. HC Frank Smith is being looked at as a secret weapon.

Returning for action are the top twosome of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, neither of whom get enough credit for their abilities. Featuring them more prominently appears to be precisely what the purple doctor ordered. Otherwise, the main tweaks have involved adding Claiborne in the draft alongside fullback Max Bredeson. Can that quartet chew up ground yards?

Oh, and then there’s the promise of Kyler Murray’s video-game-like quickness. Seeing the QB1 scramble is a double-edged sword since it makes him ultra dangerous and yet exposes him to further harm. A tricky balance, to be sure.

Zavier Scott, 27, is now moving onto his third NFL team after previously working with the Colts and Vikings. He’ll take on his old team in a Week 2 game at Soldier Field.

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