The 2024 fifth-round pick brings more depth to Minnesota's depleted backfield.
The Minnesota Vikings are adding another option to their running back room, signing former New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime to the practice squad after multiple injuries at the position.
The 23-year-old was originally selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame before joining the Saints. Estime spent time contributing in New Orleans, including stepping into a larger role when injuries depleted the Saints’ backfield.
Now, he gets another opportunity with the Vikings as Minnesota looks to add depth to its running back room in a similar scenario.
Estime showed major flashes during his time with the Saints, and continued to do so throughout the offseason before suffering an injury. His best performance came late in the 2025 season against the Tennessee Titans, when he set a career high with 94 rushing yards on 14 carries.
He averaged 6.7 yards per carry in that game, forced eight missed tackles and converted five rushing attempts into first downs. Estime also posted an 82.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, including an 87.5 rushing grade.
His physical running style and relentless motor have been his defining strengths since entering the league, and he's also proved he can contribute in the pass game both as a receiver and a blocker.
That versatility could give Minnesota another option to work into its running back rotation.
For the Vikings, the immediate question will be how quickly Estime can get up to speed after a thigh injury during the Saints preseason finale against the Dallas Cowboys.
For Estime, this is about making an impression quickly. A new offense, new coaching staff and new teammates give him a clean slate, and the timing could allow him to carve out a place in Minnesota’s plans for the rest of the season.
He has continuously impressed whenever given an opportunity in the NFL, but has yet to find a place to call home.
The Vikings are giving Estime another opportunity to prove that he belongs on a 53-man roster. What he does with it could determine whether this becomes another brief stop or the beginning of something more significant.
With rookie Demond Claiborne struggling to adjust to the speed of the next level, perhaps a game day elevation for Estime or fellow former promising Saints tailback Devin Neal could be in the cards.
Ultimately, it will come down to whoever Kevin O'Connell believes gives the team the best shot to beat the Miami Dolphins.
