Updated Vikings roster prediction after first preseason game

Running Back

RB: Dalvin Cook, Latavius Murray, Jerick McKinnon, C.J. Ham

I have the same set of running backs in this 53-man roster prediction as my first one. Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon sat out against Buffalo with injuries, but both figure to play roles on the Vikings offense this season.

Dalvin Cook wasn’t great in his first NFL game, but part of that was due to the offensive line not getting a good push up front. On the game, he carried the ball five times for 13 yards.

Yet, what should please Vikings fans most about his game was his ability to catch balls out of the backfield. In his short time on the field, he caught four passes for 30 yards. In an offense that wants their running backs active in all phases of the game, Cook proved up for the challenge. I’d be shocked if he’s not the starting running back on Sept. 11.

As for C.J. Ham, he was solid at fullback in training camp and against the Bills. While the position isn’t a necessity anymore, Ham shows he can block, run and pass catch out of the backfield. Against Buffalo, he barreled his way for a 2-yard touchdown run and also came down with a nice catch for 11 yards. With Murray and McKinnon’s injury histories, Ham also provides depth at running back and can play a role on special teams.