The Minnesota Vikings have just a single preseason game left before the scoreboard starts to matter. That means they are trying to make final roster evaluations this weekend, in Philly, where Kevin O’Connell will have a new Minnesota Gophers running back in the fold.
Last season, the Minnesota Vikings were not good on the ground. That’s why they signed Aaron Jones in the offseason, to head a group that should provide a lot more value. Ty Chandler is very capable, and Kene Nwangwu looks like a legitimate third option .
Minnesota Gophers star Mo Ibrahim joins Vikings running back room
And against the Eagles, on Saturday , the most prolific running back in Dinkytown history, Mo Ibrahim, will wear a purple jersey and horned helmet, too
The former Minnesota Gophers running back went undrafted out of college and played one game last season with the Detroit Lions. He has never recorded a professional carry, but did return a kick for 22 yards a year ago. A hip injury ended his season.
As a Gopher, Ibraham tallied 4,668 yards, most in University history. He surpassed 1,000 yards in three separate seasons and racked up a whopping 53 touchdowns, also the most in program history.
Related: Will Darius Taylor Play in Minnesota Gophers Opener?
Ibrahim will be 26-years-old this season. He spent five seasons in college, in seven years, after dealing with injuries and a redshirt season. When healthy, Mo was one of the best workhorse running backs in college football .
What role does Minnesota Gophers Ibrahim play for Vikings?
It seems highly unlikely that the Minnesota Vikings will carry four running backs. Ibrahim is behind Jones, Chandler and Nwangwu. He presents a practice squad option though, and could vault himself ahead of both Myles Gaskin and DeWayne McBride. As things stand, C.J. Ham is expected to be the fourth running option on the roster.
Ibrahim gives the Vikings a different look than both Gaskin and McBride provide. The former Gophers star is a true between the tackles runner, and he has an incredible amount of strength when in space. Gaskin will likely look to latch on elsewhere, and McBride may not be developing to the extent that Minnesota expected.
Related: Gophers Stack Running Back Room with Michigan State Transfer
There’s no reason to believe Ibrahim will have a prominent role with Minnesota, but seeing him wear a Vikings uniform on gameday would be a fun full circle moment.
More must-reads:
Local Minneapolis, MN
Most Popular
Comments / 0