In a move that flew under the radar, the Minnesota Vikings have added a new weapon to their practice squad: former San Francisco 49ers running back Corey Kiner. Signed in September 2025 after an injury settlement with the 49ers, this 5’9″, 210-pound powerhouse brings a gritty, hard-nosed running style that could prove to be a hidden gem for the purple and gold. With a college career at Cincinnati where he racked up 1,153 yards and five touchdowns in his senior year, Kiner is a player who demands attention, even if his arrival didn’t make headlines.
A Stealthy Addition to the Vikings’ Roster
The Vikings, led by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, have shown a knack for finding value in unexpected places, and Kiner’s signing is no exception. After Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season, Minnesota quietly added the former 49ers running back to their practice squad, a move reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston and noted by CBS Sports. Kiner, who suffered an ankle injury during the preseason with San Francisco, is now fully healthy and ready to contribute as a depth option while star running back Aaron Jones recovers from a hamstring injury on injured reserve.
Kiner’s addition comes at a time when the Vikings are already enjoying success with another ex-49ers running back, Jordan Mason, who has been a revelation in Minnesota’s backfield. Now, Kiner joins a crowded but talented running back room that includes Mason, Zavier Scott, Cam Akers, Xazavian Valladay, and the sidelined Jones. With six tailbacks in the mix, the Vikings are clearly prioritizing depth at the position, and Kiner’s bruising style could make him a dark horse for a roster spot if injuries continue to plague the team.
The Corey Kiner Profile: A Compact Powerhouse
At 5’9″ and 210 pounds, Corey Kiner is built like a fireplug, with a low center of gravity and a relentless motor. A teammate of Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. at the University of Cincinnati, Kiner was a standout for the Bearcats, particularly in his final two seasons. In 2023 and 2024, he showcased his durability and consistency, culminating in a 2024 campaign where he rushed for 1,153 yards and five touchdowns. His 4.57-second 40-yard dash time isn’t elite, but his film tells a different story: Kiner is a “wrecking machine” who rarely goes down on first contact.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein describes Kiner as a “compact runner who is light on explosiveness but heavy on production and consistency.” Zierlein notes that Kiner’s ability to “slink around solid contact or pinball off of it for additional yardage” makes him a tough tackle for defenders. While he lacks breakaway speed and isn’t a polished pass-catcher, Kiner’s downhill running style and ability to maximize every carry draw comparisons to former Vikings running back Alexander Mattison in his prime.
NFL Draft Buzz’s Andrew Moore further praises Kiner’s tackle-breaking ability and vision, calling him a “reliable early-down runner in a committee backfield” who thrives in zone-based rushing schemes. Moore highlights Kiner’s “lunchpail mentality” and decisiveness, qualities that could endear him to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and running backs coach McCardell.
From the 49ers to the Vikings: A Journey of Opportunity
Kiner’s path to Minnesota is a testament to his resilience. After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft—ranked No. 281 on the Consensus Big Board, just ahead of Vikings guard Joe Huber—Kiner signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent. He appeared in the preseason, huddling alongside stars like Christian McCaffrey and Patrick Taylor Jr. before a matchup against the Denver Broncos on August 9, 2025, at Levi’s Stadium. An ankle injury sidelined him, leading to an injury settlement with the 49ers in late August, but Kiner’s recovery has now landed him with a Vikings team looking for depth.
His performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis showcased his physicality and technique, even if his athletic metrics didn’t turn heads. Kiner’s college tape, particularly a strong showing against Kansas State on November 23, 2024, demonstrated his ability to push through defenders and keep drives alive. For a Vikings team that has faced injury challenges early in the 2025 season, Kiner represents a low-risk, high-reward addition.
What’s Next for Kiner in Minnesota?
While Kiner’s immediate role is on the practice squad, his outlook for 2025 depends on several factors. The Vikings’ running back room is unusually deep, with six players in the mix, making a regular-season appearance unlikely unless injuries force O’Connell’s hand. However, Kiner’s signing mirrors that of Zavier Scott, who joined the practice squad early in 2024 and remains in the team’s orbit. Kiner could follow a similar trajectory, sticking around for the remainder of the season and earning a shot at the 53-man roster in the summer of 2026.
If given an opportunity, Kiner’s strengths—tackle-breaking ability, vision, and consistency—could make him a valuable RB3 or RB4 in specific situations. His weaknesses, such as limited speed and underdeveloped pass-catching skills, mean he’s unlikely to displace Mason or Jones, but his physicality could shine in short-yardage scenarios. Moore suggests that with coaching, Kiner’s natural hands and willingness to engage in pass protection could expand his role, though his route-running and blocking technique need refinement.
An Unlikely Steal from a Rival
The Vikings’ decision to pluck Kiner from their NFC rival, the San Francisco 49ers, adds an intriguing layer to this signing. While the 49ers boast one of the NFL’s premier rushing attacks, Minnesota has quietly built a formidable backfield of its own, with Kiner now joining Mason as former 49ers hoping to make their mark in purple. Whether Kiner remains a practice squad contributor or emerges as a surprise roster candidate, his 1,000-yard college pedigree and hard-charging style make him a player to watch.
For now, Kiner is a depth piece with potential, one injury away from a chance to prove himself on Sundays. Vikings fans may not have expected this under-the-radar move, but if Kiner’s college production translates to the NFL, Minnesota may have just found its next diamond in the rough.