Demond Claiborne

Demond Claiborne News

Demond Claiborne a Short-Term Handcuff Option in Deep Leagues

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.

Sep 29, 2026 2:55 PM EST

Injuries Keep Door Open For Demond Claiborne

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.

Sep 25, 2026 11:27 AM EST

Demond Claiborne a Deep-League Handcuff in Thin Backfield

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.

Sep 21, 2026 7:52 PM EST

Demond Claiborne Expected to Be Active Sunday

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.

Sep 19, 2026 9:08 AM EST

Demond Claiborne Ready To Break Out In Week 2?

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.

Sep 18, 2026 12:46 PM EST

Demond Claiborne Suddenly Becomes a Top Fantasy Stash

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.

Sep 16, 2026 11:13 AM EST

More RB3 Reps For Demond Claiborne

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.

Aug 29, 2026 6:56 AM EST

Demond Claiborne Appears Locked into RB3 Role

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.

Aug 22, 2026 7:39 PM EST

Demond Claiborne Leads Vikings In Rushing Saturday

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.

Aug 15, 2026 12:15 PM EST

Demond Claiborne Building Momentum and Seeing More Work

Minnesota Vikings sixth-round rookie running back Demond Claiborne missed some time early in camp with an undisclosed ailment that left him working on a side field, but he had the play of the day on Saturday, outrunning the defense for a 60-yard score after making a move at the point of attack. The touchdown came with mostly backups on the field, but Claiborne has stood out in recent days through his heavy involvement as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield, occasionally even mixing in with the first-team offense. He has also shown juice in the return game, and he's a player who could impress in the team's first preseason game on August 15. Still firmly behind Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones Sr. on the depth chart, Claiborne offers little standalone value for 2026, but showcasing multiple paths to fantasy relevance, he could find his way into waiver conversations by season's end while remaining a worthwhile dynasty stash.

Aug 9, 2026 6:13 AM EST

Demond Claiborne Drawing Rave Reviews from Vikings Camp

Minnesota Vikings "executives, coaches, and teammates quietly raved" about rookie running back Demond Claiborne's movement skills this spring, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic. A sixth-round pick out of Wake Forest, Claiborne recorded 2,350 scrimmage yards and 23 touchdowns across his final 24 games for the Demon Deacons. He enters 2026 firmly behind veterans Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason on the team's running back depth chart and may even be behind Zavier Scott for Minnesota's RB3 job. However, neither Jones Sr. nor Mason is under contract with the Vikings beyond 2026. Claiborne profiles as the highest-upside athlete of the Minnesota running backs. If he can prove himself capable of handling the finer points of the running back position, Claiborne could carve out a role in the Vikings' backfield sooner rather than later.

Jul 25, 2026 7:31 AM EST

Demond Claiborne an Intriguing Dynasty Stash Candidate Ahead of 2026

Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne was selected in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft after he recorded 1,047 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns across 12 games at Wake Forest in 2025. In Minnesota, Claiborne joins a crowded running back room that also includes Aaron Jones Sr., Jordan Mason, and Zavier Scott. As a result, Claiborne may have a difficult time carving out a fantasy-relevant role in his first NFL season. However, both Jones Sr. and Mason will be free agents at the end of the 2026 season, leaving the Vikings without a clear running back of the future. Weighing in at under 200 lbs., Claiborne is a bit undersized for a true three-down role in the NFL. Still, he brings high-end speed and could be worth targeting as a dynasty stash candidate in rookie drafts.

Jul 18, 2026 11:58 AM EST

Demond Claiborne Profiles as a Worthy Dynasty Stash Candidate Entering 2026

After recording 1,047 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns on 207 touches across 12 games in his senior season at Wake Forest, running back Demond Claiborne was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Claiborne is unlikely to see significant playing time in Minnesota as a rookie, as he enters the year with veterans Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason both firmly ahead of him on the running back depth chart. However, neither Jones Sr. nor Mason is currently under contract with the Vikings beyond the 2026 season. Claiborne is undersized for an NFL running back, but he brings a speed element that could allow him to establish himself as a key piece of the Minnesota offense going forward. Given the clear long-term opportunity available in the Vikings backfield, Claiborne profiles as a worthy late-round dart throw for dynasty managers in rookie drafts.

Jun 26, 2026 8:48 AM EST

Demond Claiborne Worthy of a Late-Round Dart Throw in Dynasty Rookie Drafts

Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne was a 6th-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a historically difficult spot from which to find fantasy success. On the rare occasions when a back with such late draft capital has made a meaningful fantasy impact, the setting is often a backfield without a clear leader. With neither Aaron Jones nor Jordan Mason handling more than 39% of the team's carries or reaching 760 yards on the ground in 2025, the landing spot in Minnesota certainly qualifies as such. Claiborne is only 5'10" and 195 pounds, so he is unlikely to ever find an every-down role in the NFL, but he offers an element of speed unique to the Vikings' running back room. If he can beat out 2023 undrafted free agent Xavier Scott, he could carve out a role in a three-man rotation in an offense projected to get back on track after the worst showing of the Kevin O'Connell era. At RotoBaller's rookie WR8, Claiborne is at least worth a dart throw in the closing rounds of 2026 rookie drafts.

Jun 3, 2026 5:23 AM EST

Vikings Trade Up to Select Demond Claiborne

The Minnesota Vikings have selected Wake Forest running back prospect Demond Claiborne with the 198th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Vikings traded up to select Claiborne, acquiring the 198th pick from the New England Patriots in exchange for the 234th pick and a 2027 sixth-round selection. A multi-year contributor in the ACC, Claiborne tallied 1,956 rushing yards, 394 receiving yards, and 23 touchdowns over his last two seasons at school. With Aaron Jones Sr. presumably getting closer to his retirement, adding a young, depth running back makes sense for the Vikings. Claiborne and Zavier Scott will presumably compete to be active as the Vikings' No. 3 running back behind Jones and Jordan Mason in 2026.

Apr 25, 2026 12:49 PM EST