Minnesota Vikings Terminate Contract of Long-Time NFL RB

The Minnesota Vikings released running back DeeJay Dallas on Friday, creating roster space for the expected activation of Jordan Mason from injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s Week 7 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, via the NFL transaction wire.

Mason suffered a thumb fracture in the season-opening win over the Green Bay Packers and was placed on injured reserve September 16 after leading the team with 15 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown in that game.

He has been designated for return and practiced fully this week, though listed as questionable.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell has indicated the situation looks positive for Mason’s availability, and the corresponding release of Dallas is widely viewed as confirmation that the power back will be active.

Dallas, who turns 28 in September, joined the Vikings practice squad on September 2 after being waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He was elevated for the Week 1 game and then signed to the 53-man roster when Mason went on IR.

In five games, he logged 40 offensive snaps and 92 on special teams while recording seven touches for 44 yards (three carries for 10 yards and four receptions for 34 yards).

One of his more visible contributions came in the opener, when a key block helped spring a long kickoff return that aided Minnesota’s comeback.

A 2020 fourth-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks out of Miami, Dallas has built a career as a versatile depth piece and special-teams contributor across stops with the Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, and Jaguars.

Career totals include 127 carries for 548 yards and four touchdowns, plus 68 receptions for 441 yards and two scores. He has also been a reliable returner, highlighted by a 96-yard kickoff-return touchdown for Arizona in 2024.

His path to Minnesota was aided by familiarity with general manager Nolan Teasley, who was with the Seahawks’ personnel staff when Dallas was drafted.

Because Dallas is not subject to waivers, he could re-sign with Minnesota’s practice squad as early as Saturday and remain eligible for elevation if needed.

Analysts expect he will either return in a limited capacity or find opportunities elsewhere as a proven special-teams veteran.

With Mason back, the Vikings are expected to restore their preferred Aaron Jones–Jordan Mason tandem, providing fresher legs behind a workhorse stretch that saw Jones carry a heavy load during Mason’s absence.