The Minnesota Vikings might be undefeated, but much of that is thanks to the excellent coaching. Some of their roster decisions in recent years can and should be called into question. The Chicago Bears certainly don’t mind. They benefited from one of them last year when the Vikings cut cornerback Nahshon Wright right before the season. Chicago brought him in as some much-needed depth, and he ended up snagging 5 interceptions, helping them win the division for the first time in seven years.
One would hope Minnesota learned its lesson and is extra careful about which players they unload. By the look of things, the answer is known. For the second year in a row, the Bears plucked somebody the Vikings tried to sneak onto the practice squad. This time, it was running back Zavier Scott. The former undrafted free agent played in small spurts on offense for Minnesota last season while also serving on special teams. That second part was why the Bears wanted him, and for good reason. In the past two weeks, Scott has 4 special teams tackles. That includes 3 on Sunday in Atlanta with a forced fumble. Adam Hoge of CHGO believes he’s playing his way onto the main roster.
“Rules allow for three weekly elevations from the practice squad, meaning Scott could be elevated one more time before the Bears would be required to sign him to the 53-man roster to use him on game day. But keep in mind that practice squad players are also eligible to be signed to any team’s 53-man roster at any time, and that comes with a significant pay bump. I’d imagine other special teams coordinators around the league are noticing Scott’s play too, so that’s something to keep in mind.”
The Chicago Bears have to wonder what the Vikings were thinking.
Scott demonstrated the same special teams prowess last season, collecting 4 special teams tackles. That is pretty good for your first season of actual playing time. One would think it was a strong enough showing to caution the Vikings against letting him walk. After all, they had the 22nd-ranked special teams in 2025. You shouldn’t be letting promising players in that phase go. Yet they did. Now the Chicago Bears, who were far more respectable 12th in kick and punt coverage, added another quality piece. They currently rank 8th. Minnesota ranks 30th.
Kudos for this must go to two men: general manager Ryan Poles and special teams coordinator Richard Hightower. They have formed an impressive combination when it comes to finding capable special teams players. Poles does a great job scouting for them, and Hightower develops them into quality performers. Daniel Hardy and Josh Blackwell are two shining examples. Scott is rapidly inserting himself into that same conversation, no doubt leaving the Vikings wondering if they made a mistake.
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Scott hasn’t even gotten an opportunity on offense.
Don’t forget he’s a running back by trade. While his college stats never popped much, the tape showed someone with a good mix of vision and strength. He had some quality runs for Minnesota last year when the team was dealing with injuries. One would think head coach Ben Johnson, who loves running the football, might give him some opportunities at some point. So far, that hasn’t been the case. The Bears have stuck with the combo of D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.
Either way, it’s now clear the team has a major depth addition. Scott is becoming a core member of their special teams and should serve as a viable backup option at running back in the long term. No doubt he is eager to show the Vikings something when the teams next meet later this season. It is always fun when you know you stole a good player from one of your rivals.
