Former University of Maine running back-wide receiver Zavier Scott, who played for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings last season but was waived by the team earlier this week, has signed with the Chicago Bears, the Vikings’ NFC North division rival.
He will be on the Bears’ practice squad.
The 27-year-old Scott played in 16 games for the Vikings a year ago and carried the ball 32 times for 114 yards and caught 14 passes on 16 targets for 98 yards and a touchdown. Seven of his receptions produced first downs.
He also played 149 snaps on special teams.
He was beaten out for the Vikings’ number three running back spot by speedy rookie sixth-round draft choice Demond Claiborne.
In three preseason games, Scott carried the ball 14 times for 42 yards and caught four passes for 24 yards, while Claiborne had 28 carries for 73 yards, caught one pass for seven yards and returned five kickoffs for an average of 25.2 yards.
According to KSTP-TV reporter Darren Wolfson, the Vikings wanted to bring Scott back to their practice squad.
Scott is expected to battle Roschon Johnson and Salvon Ahmed for a promotion to the Bears’ 53-man roster.
D’Andre Swift is the Bears’ No. 1 running back, but his backup, Kyle Monangai, is dealing with a hyperextended knee, and his status for the opener at Carolina on Sunday, Sept. 13 is up in the air.
Johnson is currently listed as the No. 3 back, and Ahmed is on the practice squad after being released by the Bears earlier this week.
Most teams keep three running backs on their 53-man rosters.