The Minnesota Vikings agreed to an undisclosed two-year contract extension with fullback C.J. Ham on Wednesday. As a fullback, Ham has no value in fantasy football, but he's an important real-life player for the Vikings. The 29-year-old has spent all six of his NFL seasons in Minnesota and made his only Pro Bowl with the team back in 2019. In his six years with the Vikes, he's totaled 36 carries for 97 yards and three touchdowns, adding 70 receptions for 610 yards and another two touchdowns in 96 total games (33 starts). Ham also contributes on special teams. In 2022, he saw just four carries for seven yards and two touchdowns and added 10 receptions for 86 yards in 17 games (four starts).
Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham was being talked up by the team in training camp this summer as a player that could contribute in multiple ways on offense in 2022. The new coaching staff and quarterback Kirk Cousins really see Ham as a player that can help in multiple ways. Head coach Kevin O'Connell could use multiple running backs on the field at the same time, perhaps deploying Ham as an extra tight end at times. The Vikings aren't lacking for offensive weapons, though, so unless Dalvin Cook gets injured, Ham probably won't be anywhere near the fantasy radar. ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that Ham could be a player that football fans notice more than in years past.
Minnesota Activates C.J. Ham From COVID-19/Reserve List
Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (COVID-19 list) has been given the green light to return for Sunday's game versus Dallas, having been placed on the COVID-19/reserve list earlier in the week. While Ham holds little fantasy intrigue in his own right, he serves as the primary backfield blocker for Dalvin Cook, who has a golden fantasy matchup against the Cowboys Defense in Week 11. Ham has just five touches in 2020, but his activation bodes well for those fantasy managers relying on a massive performance from Cook. Additionally, his removal from the COVID-19 list is a positive step that the game between Dallas-Minnesota has not hit a snag and should go on as planned.
Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Hamhas been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, although that does not necessarily mean that Ham has tested positive for the virus. Having touched the ball just five times this season, Ham has essentially no fantasy intrigue, but sharing a backfield room with Dalvin Cook potentially could throw Sunday's plans versus Dallas into flux. It appears as if Cook is in the clear from a virus standpoint, but he could be facing the possibility of playing Sunday against the Cowboys without his stalwart blocker ahead of him. Check back for updates on Ham's status as it gets closer to kickoff, although there's no reason to believe that the game is in jeopardy of not being played as of Thursday night.
The Minnesota Vikings agreed to a deal on Monday that will keep fullback C.J. Ham with the team through the 2023 season, according to his agent, Blake Baratz. The fullback will make $4 million in 2020 and earns $12.25 million over four years, becoming the league's second highest paid fullback behind San Francisco's Kyle Juszczyk. Ham carved out a bigger role in the offense in 2019, catching 17 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown. He won't have much fantasy value, if at all, but his presence is great news for running back Dalvin Cook.
