Demond Claiborne Fantasy Stats

Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne was thrust into a bigger role when the team put Jordan Mason (thumb) on Injured Reserve last week. However, the Vikings have been hesitant to put too much on the sixth-rounder out of Wake Forest's plate early in his first season in the NFL, and that showed in the Vikings' Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 22-year-old only played three offensive snaps and had three rushing attempts for just one yard, while both Max Bredson and DeeJay Dallas out-snapped him behind starter Aaron Jones Sr. Claiborne's role could grow over the next couple of weeks, though, and Mason will miss at least three more games while on IR. In Claiborne's NFL debut in the Week 2 victory over the division-rival Chicago Bears, he had just one reception for a gain of two yards. At best, Claiborne is a short-term handcuff option for fantasy managers who have Jones rostered, but once Mason returns from his thumb injury, Claiborne will be buried on Minnesota's RB depth chart again. He is currently rostered in only 2% of Yahoo leagues.

Injuries in the Minnesota Vikings' backfield could present a prime opportunity for Demond Claiborne, although the first-year running back comes with significant risk ahead of a Week 3 visit to Tampa Bay. The rookie played for the first time last week in the absence of running back Jordan Mason (thumb), though he did not carry the ball and caught his only target for two yards. Instead, the Vikings rode top running back Aaron Jones Sr. (knee), who carried 23 times and surpassed 100 yards, but sustained an injury that caused him to miss practice time this week. Officially listed without a designation, Jones is the clear top option, but it's open season behind him with a cast that includes journeyman DeeJay Dallas, Claiborne, or recently signed Jaret Patterson. The Vikings could get a boost from the return of starting quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion), and even with Jones active, Claiborne could see the field more in Week 3. Claiborne is too unproven to start in most leagues for now, but he also could be a worthwhile bench stash in best-ball formats or for rosters that could use additional running back depth.

Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne has jumped to No. 2 on the depth chart, and while he had a very quiet Week 2 performance, he could still be a decent waiver wire target for fantasy managers in deeper leagues. In particular, he's an appealing handcuff option for fantasy managers who already have Aaron Jones Sr. on their roster. Jones and Claiborne each climbed up a rung on the depth chart after Jordan Mason (thumb) landed on injured reserve, so the latter is now just one injury away from occupying the lead-back role. The 22-year-old did play just two snaps in Week 2, so there's certainly no standalone value, and even if Jones missed time, Claiborne would likely share opportunities with DeeJay Dallas. Still, managers in deeper leagues should consider placing a waiver claim for Claiborne, who is an intriguing insurance option behind an aging veteran in Minnesota.

Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne is expected to be active for the first time Sunday against Chicago, head coach Kevin O'Connell said, according to Matthew Coller. Claiborne was inactive for Minnesota's opener against Green Bay, but the backfield looks different now with Jordan Mason on injured reserve following thumb surgery. Aaron Jones Sr. will lead the group, with DeeJay Dallas also expected to be involved behind him. Claiborne was a sixth-round pick out of Wake Forest after rushing for 907 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Jones said this week that he encouraged the rookie to stay locked into the opener even while inactive and use it as a chance to learn. Sunday should give Claiborne his first opportunity to contribute in a regular-season game.

Mostly limited to deep sleeper consideration during the offseason, Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne could have an elevated role sooner than expected ahead of the Vikings' Week 2 trip to Chicago. The Minnesota backfield is in need of assistance now that Jordan Mason (thumb) will miss at least a month, vacating his rushing-first role and opening the door for the rookie to earn his first carries. Claiborne showed some pop in training camp, but he was inactive in Week 1 in favor of journeyman DeeJay Dallas. Aaron Jones Sr. will lead the Minnesota backfield, but at this stage of his career, he's unlikely to be an every-down workhorse again. It warrants mentioning that neither Jones nor Mason is currently under contract for next season, so Claiborne could change the team's plans if he capitalizes on his opportunities as a rookie. As RotoBaller's No. 58 running back this week, he might not be ready for starting lineups just yet, but forward-thinking managers might consider stashing him in case he breaks loose in Mason's absence.

Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne was a healthy scratch in Week 1, but his fantasy situation changed quickly this week. Jordan Mason is headed to short-term injured reserve with a fractured thumb after handling 15 carries in Sunday's win over Green Bay, leaving a meaningful chunk of the backfield workload up for grabs. Claiborne was already the only running back listed behind Aaron Jones Sr. and Mason on Minnesota's Week 1 depth chart, and the Vikings traded up to select him in the sixth round this spring. There is no guarantee those missing carries immediately become his. DeeJay Dallas dressed ahead of Claiborne in the opener, and Minnesota could lean on the veteran while the rookie works his way into the offense. The opening is still much larger than it was a few days ago. Claiborne went from being buried behind two established backs to having a realistic path toward offensive touches, making him one of the more interesting fantasy stashes coming out of Week 1.

Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne was unlikely to make a legitimate push for playing time this summer. The 22-year-old was likely always going to be a depth option after being taken in the sixth-round by the Vikings during this year's draft. Claiborne did little to impress during the preseason, and he appears to have himself locked into the RB3 role in Minnesota. There probably won't be room for much action with Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason leading the way in the running game. His only chance at seeing serious playing time would be if one of the backs goes down with an injury. He is best left on the waiver wire in redraft formats to begin the year.

Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne appears to have a solid hold of the RB3 role after starting Friday's game against the Denver Broncos. The rookie rushed eight times for only 21 yards in a 34-6 loss, but he played alongside a heavily limited Vikings offense that played mostly reserves, including fourth quarterback Max Brosmer for most of the night. Neither Aaron Jones Sr. nor Jordan Mason played, but Claiborne featured first without them, suggesting he'll be the third running back ahead of special teams ace Zavier Scott. Claiborne, who also returned kicks Friday, is mostly a dynasty stash for now, but he could be a waiver wire factor in redraft leagues should either Mason or Jones miss extended time.

Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne totaled eight carries for 18 yards and added seven yards through the air in the 13-3 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Claiborne has been inefficient in both preseason games, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry on 20 carries. However, the sixth-round pick played all 19 snaps with J.J. McCarthy and the second-team offense, while Zavier Scott entered the game afterward. While both veterans Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason are expected to handle the backfield early in the season, Claiborne offers more speed and explosiveness than the other two. Injuries will likely be needed for the rookie to find the field this season, but Claiborne is a player to keep an eye on.

Running back Demond Claiborne of the Minnesota Vikings earned a team-high 12 carries for 34 yards in the club's preseason opener against the New York Giants. Playing mostly behind the Vikings' backups on the offensive line, Claiborne still showed some juice despite limited space to run, including a nine-yard burst that gained a first down to set up Minnesota's lone touchdown. The rookie will begin the season behind Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason, though his impressive speed and receiving potential give him a chance to win playing time in a backfield with two veterans on expiring deals. Claiborne, a sixth-round pick, has serious long-term potential in dynasty formats, but he also could be a high-priority waiver candidate in redraft leagues if either Jones or Mason misses extended time.