Rookie runner Demond Claiborne boasts rare speed, meaning there's plenty of upside inside of him. He is, nevertheless, not ready to contribute on Sunday.
The Vikings have therefore shifted the RB3 job to DeeJay Dallas, a veteran who is versatile and tough. Better yet, he's a monster on specials who operates with great urgency. Minnesota has officially found room for him on the 53-man roster , doing so to be able to continue leaning on him on Sunday. Making that move appears to confirm the reality that Dallas is the trusted third running back rather than Claiborne solidifying the job.
Consider the most recent evidence. Check out who was active for the Week 8 loss in Detroit:
RB1 Aaron Jones | 21 Snaps on Offense
RB2 Jordan Mason | 15 Snaps on Offense
RB3 DeeJay Dallas | 17 Snaps on Offense
In the 2026 season, the other running back who has received some work has been Demond Claiborne. Do note, though, that he was inactive for Minnesota's most recent game. Claiborne joined three other rookie draftees who didn't get into helmets and shoulder pads .
Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne (21) runs with the ball during a preseason opening game between the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
But then the evidence goes beyond just the most recent game.
DeeJay Dallas (RB) pass pro pic.twitter.com/vdi0YQqece
— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) November 2, 2026
Mr. Dallas got added quite late. Very quickly, the veteran has proven his worth across two phases of the game: offense and special teams. Kevin O'Connell's offense has turned to Dallas for 4 carries that have turned into 14 rushing yards alongside 4 catches for 34 receiving yards. These numbers alone aren't particularly inspirational.
His more compelling value, his abilities in pass pro, doesn't show up in the basic stats. Dallas steps into the line of fire to help keep the QB jersey's clean. Much to be said for the physicality and compete.
Over the long term, Claiborne has far more upside. The concern, however, is that he'll end up mirroring Ty Chandler. Chandler, like Claiborne, boasts elite wheels but never fully figured it out. Chandler, like Claiborne, went on Day 3 to the Vikings in the draft. Claiborne's fate is far from preordained but the basic similarities encourage caution.
DeeJay Dallas special teams ace pic.twitter.com/5l5vwnKO2O
— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) September 13, 2026
What's important for Claiborne is that he uses this current time out of the spotlight to continue growing his game. Do the little things well. Mastering those small details will equip him with a broad skill set that allows him to stay on the field in all situations, creating the conditions for him to be able to show off his insane speed.
Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) tackles Minnesota Vikings running back DeeJay Dallas during the second quarter of their game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In all likelihood, the Vikings have retained Claiborne on the roster due to the belief that sliding him down to the practice squad wouldn't work. Some team would swoop in for the steal. Minnesota's unwillingness to separate Claiborne from the roster therefore arrives as confirmation that the 6th-Round rookie is still in the Vikings' long-term plans.
Next up for the 6-1 Vikings is a Monday Night Football tilt against the 6-1 Buffalo Bills. Very few think that Minnesota pulls off the win.
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