Panthers plan to sign former Vikings RB Ameer Abdullah

The Vikings activated Kene Nwangwu off the IR this week. In addition to that move, Minnesota released Ameer Abdullah.

Abdullah played for the Vikings from 2018 to 2021. He’s been serviceable as a running back and return man. However, he’s a very similar player to Nwangwu, so it makes sense that Minnesota let him go.

The Vikings might not need Abdullah anymore, but the Panthers ostensibly do. Carolina is planning on signing the running back, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Abdullah offered something as a receiving running back for Minnesota. However, the Vikings are deep at running back with Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison and now Nwangwu.

Abdullah heads to a team with a little less depth at the running back position.

Christian McCaffrey will not be available for the Panthers until Week 9, because Carolina placed the running back on IR ahead of the Vikings matchup in Week 6.

Chuba Hubbard is probably the clear No. 1 back with McCaffrey out, but Abdullah can still slot in and compete for reps. The Panthers also have RB Royce Freeman on the active roster.