Vikings Preseason RB Report Card: A Logjam in the Backfield Leads to Mixed Grades

An early look at Minnesota's running back room, as well as who has room to improve.

Find out what Aaron Jones Jr.'s grade looks like as the Vikings' training camp nears the final stretch. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When talking about the Vikings, much of the discussion has centered around the quarterback situation with Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy. However, what's happening in Minensota's running back has a great deal of intrigue to follow as well.

Aaron Jones may be the starter for the Vikings, but the veteran running back took a hefty pay cut to stay with the franchise this season. If not for that reduction, he would likely not be on the roster for the 2026 NFL season.

Jones's return to the team keeps Jordan Mason as the Vikings' primary backup. Mason actually had 47 more offensive snaps than Jones last season, and he will likely continue to have the majority of the work this year.

That said, here's a better idea of what the Vikings' RB situation looks like heading into the second week of the NFL preseason.

Grading the Vikings' RB room heading into final stretch of offseason

Jones and Mason will be the RB1 and RB2, respectively, for the Vikings this season, but the really interesting part of the position comes when looking at the rest of the depth chart. Returning rusher Zavier Scott is in a battle with rookie Demond Claiborne for that third spot, with Jermar Jefferson also hoping to make the team or the practice squad.

Demond Claiborne's 12 carries for 34 yards in his Vikings preseason debut.

How'd he look? pic.twitter.com/NRNtUE1UKs

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) August 16, 2026

Scott played 105 offensive snaps for the Vikings last season and added 149 more on special teams. The 27-year-old undrafted free agent of the Indianapolis Colts in 2023 carried the ball 32 times for 114 yards and a touchdown last year, averaging 3.6 yards per rushing attempt.

On the other hand, Claiborne is a rookie who was a sixth-round pick for Minnesota in the 2026 NFL Draft. His speed and determination have been on display at training camp, and his hard work earned him an extended look during the Vikings' first preseason game, leading the backfield with a dozen carries.

Claiborne is also getting looks on kick returns, adding to his value. It is fairly safe to say that he has been the most eye-opening offensive player in training camp for the Vikings this season, making the running back room even more difficult to predict.

Jefferson hasn't been as flashy as Claiborne or as reliable as Scott, but the 27-year-old saw action in the first preseason game against the Giants, where he was given two rushing attempts as Minnesota tried to close out the game.

If the Vikings keep four running backs on their 53-man roster, Jefferson will likely be the odd man out. That said, Minnesota would be wise to try to sign him to the practice squad for depth at the position. However, if only three halfbacks are kept, it will be interesting to see if Minnesota goes with familiarity (Scott) or unknown potential (Claiborne).

Early report card grades for Vikings RBs

• Aaron Jones: B-
• Jordan Mason: B
• Zavier Scott: C+
• Demond Claiborne: B-
• Jermar Jefferson: C-

Overall grade for Vikings' RB room: B-

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