Vikings Signed Running Back Devin Neal
The Minnesota Vikings have added the former Kansas standout to their roster following his release from New Orleans.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Football
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The Minnesota Vikings have signed running back Devin Neal to a new contract. This move follows his release from the New Orleans Saints in early September 2026 after he was placed on injured reserve.
Why it matters
The Vikings have turned to depth additions as they navigate the early part of the season with an undefeated 3-0 record. Devin Neal brings NFL experience to a backfield that currently faces challenges with injury-related absences.
Devin Neal appeared in 10 games during the 2025 season, recording 200 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 57 carries. He currently joins a Minnesota Vikings squad that maintains a perfect 3-0 start to the season.
The players
Devin Neal
He is a professional football running back and the all-time leading rusher in the history of the University of Kansas football program.
Jordan Mason
He is a professional football player currently on injured reserve for the Minnesota Vikings due to a fractured right thumb.
Minnesota Vikings
This is a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League and currently holds a 3-0 record.
New Orleans Saints
This is a professional American football team based in New Orleans that previously held the contract for Devin Neal.
The details
Devin Neal, the all-time rushing leader at the University of Kansas, enters the Minnesota system following a tenure with the New Orleans Saints. He joins a team currently dealing with the absence of Jordan Mason, who is on injured reserve with a fractured right thumb.
Timeline
Devin Neal played 10 games for the Saints in 2025.
The New Orleans Saints released Devin Neal with an injury designation in early September 2026.
The signing of Devin Neal by the Minnesota Vikings was reported on September 29, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This transaction follows the 2026 NFL roster management protocols for players on injured reserve. The signing reflects the Vikings' effort to maintain their 3-0 momentum by securing experienced depth to bridge gaps in their active rotation.
With Jordan Mason sidelined by a thumb injury, Neal provides immediate depth to the active running back rotation. Fantasy owners should monitor whether Neal is active for the next game, as he now competes for touches in the Vikings' offensive scheme.
The takeaway
The addition of a player with Neal's collegiate record provides the Vikings with a low-risk option to bolster their running game during a critical injury stretch. His transition from the Saints underscores how quickly depth charts can shift in the NFL when key contributors are sidelined.
Further reading
For more news on local roster updates, visit Football.
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