Vikings Release Running Back DeeJay Dallas
The Minnesota Vikings move on from the veteran running back following a team bye week.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Football
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The Minnesota Vikings have officially released 28-year-old running back DeeJay Dallas from their 53-man roster. The decision follows a bye week as the team returns to action with increased depth and health at the running back position.
Why it matters
The roster move reflects the team's efforts to optimize their lineup depth as they navigate the remainder of the regular season. Dallas may potentially rejoin the organization later via the practice squad.
Dallas recorded 10 rushing yards on three carries and 34 receiving yards on four catches during his five appearances for the Vikings. He previously maintained career averages of 25.3 yards per kick return and 9.4 yards per punt return.
The players
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League as a member club of the National Football Conference North division.
DeeJay Dallas
DeeJay Dallas is an NFL running back who has previously played for the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
The details
DeeJay Dallas, a 5-foot-10, 225-pound veteran selected 144th overall in the 2020 NFL draft, was waived after appearing in five games for Minnesota. The move allows the team to adjust their personnel strategy following the return of healthier options at his position.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: The Minnesota Vikings released DeeJay Dallas.
2020: DeeJay Dallas was selected in the NFL draft.
Season Trajectory
This roster move highlights the constant churn required to manage the NFL's 53-man active roster limit throughout the course of a competitive season. By clearing space, the Vikings aim to prioritize healthier contributors for the remainder of their playoff push.
The departure of Dallas impacts the team's depth chart rotation and could signal increased workload expectations for other active running backs. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor the team's practice squad assignments for potential changes to the backfield hierarchy.
The takeaway
Team depth is a fluid situation in the NFL, often requiring difficult roster decisions even for veteran contributors. Players often find opportunities to return to familiar organizations through practice squads after initial releases.
What happens next
DeeJay Dallas may potentially return to the Vikings practice squad following the Week 7 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Further reading
For more updates on roster developments, visit the Football section.
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