Unsung Vikings RB Making Strong Push for Roster Spot
Every year, the NFL preseason brings a player or two who really shine on each team. Sometimes these are the embers of a bright career, but sometimes that’s as good as it gets.
The Minnesota Vikings’ first-person game against the Houston Texans ended in a 20-10 victory at US Bank Stadium. The win was nice, but not particularly significant, as most of the game was played by players vying for a roster spot or simply trying to prove they are worth a spot on the practice squad.
RB Zavier Scott is turning heads in Vikings training camp and preseason action, making a strong case for a roster spot with impressive plays and versatility.
RB Zavier Scott is turning heads at Minnesota’s training camp and preseason action, making a strong case for a roster spot with impressive plays and versatility.
A memorable preseason may be all that it amounts to for the likes of Kahlef Hailasse and Ambry Thomas, who snagged themselves some eye-catching interceptions. A place on the practice squad is likely the best outcome for them. For running back Zavier Scott, there appears to be more hope than that with a clear path to the final 53-man roster, especially if he can build on an impressive display in the first preseason game.
With Aaron Jones rested, Scott led the Vikings in rushing against the Texans on Saturday with 40 rushing yards from seven rushing attempts at an impressive 5.7 yards per carry. Vikings fans got their first glimpse of new RB2 Jordan Mason, who had 20 rushing yards from his four carries at an average of five yards.
Most importantly, from Scott’s perspective, he greatly outperformed the man who is battling for the RB3 spot. Ty Chandler managed just a paltry five yards from five rushing attempts. A bad day for Chandler, but a good one for Scott.
The Story So Far for Scott and How He Got to Vikings
Scott started his college career at the University of Connecticut in 2017 before transferring to Maine for the 2020 season. Throughout his college career, he played a mixture of running back and wide receiver, often used in gadget plays, including in the QB position in the wildcat formation. He went undrafted in 2023 but was picked up by the Indianapolis Colts and spent the 2023 season on their practice squad, where they converted him into a full-time running back.
Scott arrived in Minnesota last year and spent the season on the Vikings’ practice squad. After a year in Minnesota, Scott could be ready to make his move from being a “practice squad guy” to having a chance at making the main roster. We don’t know exactly how the Vikings will shape their roster come August 26th. They have in the past carried four RBs as well as Fullback CJ Ham, which would give Scott an excellent chance of making the roster.
Suppose Minnesota chooses to only go with three RBs or still looks to bring in another veteran tailback between now and the start of the season. Scott will have a more difficult path to the final 53-man roster. However, the man who is noticeable by his wild mane of hair has done everything he can to stake his case so far this preseason. At this moment, if I were picking the Vikings roster, Scott would be in and Chandler would be out.
Scott will get another chance to push forward his name in Kevin O’Connell’s plans on Saturday as the Vikings host the New England Patriots in their second preseason game.
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