The Vikings may have found a quicker path onto the field for rookie running back Demond Claiborne.
Minnesota drafted the Wake Forest speedster with the 198th overall pick in April, but cracking the offense right away is a tough ask with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason ahead of him on the depth chart. For now, the more realistic opening could come on special teams.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert pointed to Claiborne as a possible kick returner after what he showed in camp and the preseason. “Claiborne demonstrated the burst that got him drafted as a 180-pound tailback,” Seifert said of Claiborne's preseason and training camp performance. “The Vikings are looking for ways to get him on the field on offense and possibly as a kick returner.”
That idea fits the profile Minnesota targeted in the draft. Claiborne’s speed stood out enough to make him an intriguing option while the team continues sorting out its run game under Kevin O’Connell and assistant head coach Frank Smith.
There’s also a little room opening up in the return game. Myles Price handled kick and punt duties last season, but he could get more work at wide receiver in 2026 after a strong offseason. If that happens, Claiborne could slide into the vacancy.
He already gave the Vikings something to work with in the preseason, returning five kickoffs for 126 yards.
For a team that hasn’t had a draft class with many contributors in a while, getting Claiborne involved early as a kick returner would count as a clean first step while he keeps learning the offense.
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