Zavier

Scott

The Vikings activated Jones from injured reserve on Tuesday, allowing him to practice in a limited capacity twice in the lead up to the team’s Thursday Night Football game against the Chargers this week. One would assume that the team would prefer to let Jones ramp up in practice with a few full practice sessions before keeping him active on game day, but anything is possible. Check back on Thursday to find out if the Vikings’ starter will make his return. He would be a volatile RB2 candidate if active. Fellow Minnesota running back Zavier Scott is also questionable, though Scott won’t have much fantasy value in any scenario.

He only played 9-of-69 snaps and with Aaron Jones due back soon has no long-term value as a hedge against a Jordan Mason injury. Scott can be returned to the waiver wire ahead of Week 8.

Jordan Mason committed a first-quarter fumble that paved the way for Scott to see an uptick in touches. He was the team’s top back on the following drive, though it didn’t last long. Scott gave up a fumble of his own in the second half and didn’t touch the ball once on the team’s final three drives. With the Vikings on bye in Week 6, fantasy managers can cut ties with Scott on the next run of waivers.

Scott is the Vikings’ backup running back with Aaron Jones on injured reserve, but he was used in a hybrid role versus Pittsburgh. Scott, who played wide receiver at UConn, ran routes from the backfield, slot, and out wide in this game. He only saw two carries and rushed for just one yard. Carson Wentz attempted 46 passes, juicing the counting stats for his receivers, but a 17 percent target share is also impressive from Scott. He will hit the RB4 radar for Minnesota’s Week 4 date with the Browns in London.

With Jordan Mason operating as the clear bell-cow in the absence of Aaron Jones (hamstring, injured reserve), Scott out-touched practice squad promotee Cam Akers 9-5. He out-gained him 49-19. With Jones out at least three more games, Scott looks like he would lead any potential committee were Mason to also go down with injury.

We expect Mason to handle a significant rushing workload with Aaron Jones (hamstring) sidelined, and he could play on passing downs as well. O’Connell sang praises for Mason’s multi-faceted skillset, specifically mentioning his pass-protection chops and ability to catch the football. Mason’s in-game passing game performances have left a lot to be desired, but if he’s earning O’Connell’s trust in practice, that’s a plus. At worst, he’s a high-end RB2 against the Bengals. Mason is backed up by 2023 undrafted free agent RB Zavier Scott and the recently signed RB Cam Akers. O’Connell complimented Scott’s preseason play in the press conference but Akers is familiar with the system and could rotate in ahead of him. Neither player offers standalone value.

It’s full steam ahead for Jordan Mason as a locked-in volume starter this week, although there’s now a big (bigger?) question mark under center for the Vikings. The Bengals have been one of the best teams for runners to face over the past few years. Jones remains remarkably hard to keep healthy and will likely be questionable for Week 4 as well. Zavier Scott is the only other healthy back on the roster and figures to take on a role of some sort behind Mason in Week 3.

It’s been a theme of training camp that the Vikings simply don’t believe in Chandler’s ability to pass protect despite his explosiveness with the ball in his hands. Lewis thinks the team will instead roster Zavier Scott behind the combination of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason at running back.

Scott (6'1/207) rushed for 210 yards on 34 carries back in 2018, but a serious knee injury knocked him out for the remainder of the campaign after 10 games played. Making his way back from that injury he did not see a carry during the past campaign. Scott will look to rejuvenate his career -- if healthy -- with the Black Bears over the next two seasons.

Scott’s surgery to repair his PCL and MCL will take place on Friday. He will also miss spring practices with the knee injury, per coach Randy Edsall. Scott hopes to return for preseason camp in August. Scott had 34 carries for 194 yards as the backup for starter Kevin Mensah this season. He’s a weapon in the passing game, with 33 receptions for 228 yards.