Running back Zavier Scott was one of the most surprising breakout players from last year’s squad. After spending time on the practice squad in 2024, Scott earned an active roster spot in 2025 following a strong preseason showing. He accumulated over 200 all-purpose yards in a reserve role behind Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones last season.
What is next for the promising do-it-all back, and does he have a role for the 2026 Minnesota Vikings?
Looking at Minnesota’s running back room, Jones and Mason should lead the group in touches. However, things get interesting at the RB3 spot.
Minnesota took Demond Claiborne out of Wake Forest in the sixth round (pick No. 198) of this year’s draft. Claiborne has impressed early, and the Vikings also added rookie UDFA Kejon Owens out of FIU. They will have five running backs on the roster going into the preseason.
During Kevin O’Connell’s tenure as head coach, Minnesota has typically carried three running backs on the active roster. That’s because Kevin O’Connell often has a third receiver on the field.
As a result, Minnesota’s WR room typically gets the additional skill-position spot. However, that might change with the addition of run-game guru Frank Smith. Still, O’Connell typically favors running these WR3 sets.
Interestingly, though, Zavier Scott has prior experience playing WR at the University of Maine. During his time with the Black Bears, Zavier was a true do-it-all weapon. He took snaps at RB, WR, KR, TE, and wildcat QB. At Maine, Scott used his elite athleticism to contribute across the field, earning third-team CAA honors in 2022.
He flashed his receiving skills this past season, catching 14 passes and a TD for the Vikings in 2025.
So, with Claiborne showing early signs of being a draft steal, where does that leave Scott for 2026?
The main difference between Demond and Zavier is their athletic profiles. That’s usually a key indicator of how a player will perform in a typical RB3 role. Teams naturally focus on special teams and pass blocking. Zavier Scott measures in at 6’1”, 221 lbs., while Claiborne is 5’10” and 188 lbs. Scott runs the ball with physicality, while Demond has dangerous speed with a 4.37-second 40.
However, the great thing about football is that both of these players, with their different skillsets, can contribute to a roster. Scott and his tantalizing versatility in an offense can be a huge asset, and we saw some flashes of that last season. But that Swiss Army knife role might have some unexpected competition from another rookie. Like Claiborne, Dillon Bell is getting early hype, and he has experience playing running back.
After hiring Frank Smith in the offseason, Minnesota’s opportunity to focus more on the run game will be greater than ever, creating an opportunity to carry four RBs on the roster. Keeping Scott makes sense for what Smith is trying to do, and it would also be a huge organizational win. He’s a prospect who has worked his way off the practice squad, something the Vikings have been sorely missing with poor draft classes.
Ultimately, Minnesota sees something in Zavier Scott and re-signed him in March of 2026. He should have a role in this offense next season, although he may face some intriguing competition for snaps.
