Aug 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Corey Kiner (49) runs the ball in the second quarter against Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Earlier this week, the Vikings announced some roster moves. Those included the release of wideout and special teamer Tim Jones from the 53-man roster, as Jordan Addison is ready to return from his three-game suspension. He returned a day later to the practice squad. From the practice squad, however, Lucky Jackson had to pack his bags to make room for him.
Vikings Sneak In a Running Back Swap
Jun 11, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Corey Kiner (49) catches a pass during a team OTA at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Besides shaking up the wide receiver group, the Vikings also quietly made some changes at the running back position. Xazavian Valladay, who was signed during the preseason, was released from the practice squad. Instead, free agent runner Corey Kiner was signed to take his spot.
Kiner is an undrafted rookie out of the University of Cincinnati. Following the draft, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers, but was waived a week before the league-wide cutdown day due to an ankle injury. That injury seems to be in his rearview mirror.
In the preseason, the rookie rushed 12 times for 68 yards, tabulating an average of 5.7 yards per carry. Nearly four of those (3.92) came after contact, which is an excellent value. He also caught two passes for a total of six yards.
Nov 30, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats running back Corey Kiner (21) runs to the 1-yard line against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second quarter at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Kiner started his college career at LSU and even logged 320 rushing yards and a couple of touchdowns in his freshman season. After that year, he transferred to Cincinnati, where he connected with Ivan Pace for one campaign. His two most productive stretches came in 2023 and 2024, when he eclipsed 1,000 yards each time.
NFL draft scout Lance Zierlein wrote about the rusher coming out, “Compact runner who is light on explosiveness but heavy on production and consistency. The more film you watch, the more you realize how rare it is to see Kiner brought down by the first tackler. He can slink around solid contact or pinball off of it for additional yardage. He’s not super fast, but he runs with unchanging pace and a downhill tilt. Kiner is functional in the passing game but he’s not a third-down back and has no real special teams experience. He maximizes each carry to the best of his ability but lacks the burst and athleticism to survive behind a subpar line.”
The breakaway speed might not be there, as his 40-yard dash in 4.57 suggests. Still, at 5’9″ and 209 lbs, he’s quite hard to tackle, as displayed in the preseason. Arif Hasan ranked him 283rd on his consensus big board, indicating that he was one of the top undrafted free agents this year.
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (27) reacts after scoring with guard Will Fries (76) against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The Vikings currently rely on featured back Jordan Mason to carry the load, with Zavier Scott as the only other healthy running back on the 53-man roster. Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler are both on IR. Cam Akers was re-signed once again. He’s currently stashed on the practice squad and is a good bet to be active once again on Sunday.
Kiner is unlikely to see the field unless another player gets hurt. He’s 23 years old.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.