Is Myles Gaskin Enough to Round Out Vikings’ RB Room?
The Minnesota Vikings substantially upgraded the running back position this offseason when they signed Aaron Jones. He will be the presumed starter, with Ty Chandler rotating in plenty. The third running back remains up in the air, but is Myles Gaskin enough?
Is Myles Gaskin Enough to Round Out the RB Room?
A former seventh-round pick from Washington, Gaskin knows Brian Flores well, having played under him with the Miami Dolphins. Gaskin isn’t a defensive player, though, and he hasn’t shown a ton in the form of being a productive runner.
When operating as the bell cow back for the Dolphins across 2020 and 2021, Gaskin averaged just 3.8 yards per carry and tallied just under 1,200 yards across 27 games. At this point, he is not a top running back. Conveniently, that’s not what the Minnesota Vikings ask him to be.
Jones has been one of the best backs in football when healthy. The health part has escaped him, but he appears motivated to show up with a team that has matched up against his former employer at least twice this season. After Alexander Mattison was removed from the starting role and Chandler had his training wheels taken off, he looked the part of a strong contributor as well.
Gaskin would assume the Cam Akers role. Although it was initially suggested that Minnesota may be interested in bringing back the former Rams running back, he ultimately wound up with the Houston Texans. Gaskin piled up 22 yards on five carries in the preseason opener and ripped off a long rush of 11 yards. He factored in the kick return game, taking three down the field. Although he did fumble, Gaskin didn’t turn the ball over.
Working in Kevin O’Connell’s offense normally means being a multi-faceted talent. Gaskin has 90 receptions to his credit and is a capable receiver and pass blocker. With previous starting exposure, he understands what it takes to stay on the field at the highest level.
For now, it doesn’t appear that the running back position is one Minnesota seems intent on adding to. That would mean Gaskin is the favorite to round out the roster. It’s hard to suggest that the position isn’t better off than it was a year ago, and he looks like a capable third option.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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