Vikings Aim to Revitalize Run Game Ahead of Season Opener
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Minnesota looks to assistant head coach Frank Smith and new draft additions to fix a rushing attack that hindered Justin Jefferson last year.
The Minnesota Vikings are entering the 2026 season with a focused effort to overhaul a rushing attack that struggled throughout 2025, as Sports Illustrated first reported. According to the outlet, head coach Kevin O’Connell has emphasized the necessity of running the football effectively, with assistant head coach Frank Smith leading the revamped effort.
To bolster the ground game, the Vikings utilized two draft picks: fullback Max Bredeson in the fifth round and running back Demond Claiborne in the seventh. Sports Illustrated reports that Bredeson appeared as an immediate impact player during training camp, while Claiborne provides speed and home run potential within Smith’s outside run scheme, despite concerns regarding his ball security. Veteran starting backs Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones Sr. have also shown promise, recording significant breakaway runs during practice.
A more efficient run game is viewed as a catalyst for the resurgence of star receiver Justin Jefferson. Sports Illustrated notes that Jefferson struggled in 2025, finishing with 1,048 yards and only two touchdowns due to a lack of support from the quarterback room. With the arrival of Kyler Murray at QB1, the team hopes to alleviate the pressure on Jefferson. Reports from Sports Illustrated indicate that Murray and Jefferson showed strong chemistry during joint practices with the Ravens, including a touchdown connection during a two-minute drill.