Shortly after cutting ties with suspended running back Roc Thomas, the Vikings added a possible depth piece off waivers. The Vikings claimed De’Angelo Henderson off waivers from the Jets, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. In a corresponding move, the club released safety Micah Abernathy.
A former Broncos sixth-round draft choice in 2017, Henderson made it just past the midway point on the waiver wire. He will join a Vikings team that has third-year player C.J. Ham and third-round rookie Alexander Mattison in place behind Dalvin Cook.
After setting an NCAA Division I record by recording a rushing touchdown in 35 consecutive games, Henderson could not stick with the Broncos last year. Denver’s additions of Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman led Henderson to New York. Between his time with the Jets and Broncos, the 5-foot-7 back has taken just nine regular-season handoffs.
Mike Zimmer said recently Ham may be the favorite to begin as Minnesota’s complementary back behind Cook, with Mattison learning the ropes as a pass protector in the meantime. Henderson figures to be competing for a spot behind that duo, should the Vikings keep four backs.