Speedy Ex-Vikings Weapon Rides Again

Veteran running back Ameer Abdullah has been around the block a time or two. He’s putting his shoes (cleats?) on to take another lap.

The speedy ex-Vikings weapon has earned a deal to continue competing in the NFL. Check out the news update courtesy of KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, who writes, “#Jaguars signed Ameer Abdullah, re-signed Sal Wormley, placed Jordan White on the reserve/retired list, waived Ja’Quinden Jackson.”

Ex-Vikings RB Now with Jags

Right now, the Vikings are working with a running back room that boasts a nice blend of players. Most prominently, there’s the older Aaron Jones — a well-rounded player who offers excellent leadership — alongside the powerful, rugged Jordan Mason. These two are going to shoulder the majority of the burden within the ground attack.

Further enhancing the upside is rookie newcomer Demond Claiborne, a 6th-Round selection from the 2026 NFL Draft. Claiborne is an impressive guy, in no small part due to his work ethic, resilience, and his all-world speed. Even better, there’s a new fullback in town. Adding Max Bredeson is a delight to J.J. McCarthy and all football fans who enjoy old school ball.

Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands the ball off to Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Somebody who used to carry the ball for the Vikings was Ameer Abdullah, a runner who got his start with the Lions before working for various NFL franchises. Consider where Mr. Abdullah has played:

Detroit Lions (2015-18)
Minnesota Vikings (2018-2021)
Carolina Panthers (2021)
Las Vegas Raiders (2022-2024)
San Francisco 49ers (2025)
Indianapolis Colts (2025)

Tack on the Jacksonville Jaguars as the newest team to get worked into the mix. Travelling southward makes a lot of sense. For starters, there’s the Jaguars having seen Travis Etienne move on. But then there’s the strong Vikings influence due to Grant Udinski operating as the OC.

— READ MORE: The Caleb Banks Injury Update is Here —
— READ MORE: With Ink Barely Dry on Receiver Deal, Vikings Sign a 6’6″ D-Lineman —
— READ MORE: Kevin O’Connell Talks Emergency QB Add —

Consider, as well, the status of LG Ezra Cleveland, QB Nick Mullens, and WR Tim Jones. Each played for the Vikings in the past. Go ahead and toss Abdullah into the mix as yet another connection.

At 32, Abdullah is getting close to the end of his career. He’s very likely to have a ceiling sitting at RB3, a player who can helps on specials while pinch hitting on offense (though sparingly). His stats last season involve 14 carries for 60 yards (4.3 yards-per-carry average) and 1 touchdown. More promising is that he turned 17 targets into 16 catches for 99 yards, earning a 1st down on four occasions.

Oct 20, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) talks with Minnesota Vikings running back Ameer Abdullah (31) after the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Do a final tally and Abdullah shows 86 plays on offense for 2025 alongside 135 plays on special teams.

In fact, Abdullah had 19 kickoff returns last year, turning those chances into a total of 563 yards for a beefy 29.6 yards-per-return average. His best return went for an explosive 81 yards.

In Minnesota, Myles Price alongside Tai Felton are likely to handle kickoffs. Newcomer Dillon Bell has a shot. Mr. Price is very likely to be the punt returner.

The NFL will be releasing the schedule for the 2026 season on Thursday, May 14th. The Vikings and the Jaguars aren’t scheduled to play each other. At least in theory, the two sides could battle for the Super Bowl since they play within different conferences. No doubt, that possibility appears extremely unlikely, but most would have said the same about Seahawks v. Patriots in May of 2025.