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NFL Minnesota Vikings

Jerick McKinnon Is the Minnesota Vikings’ X-Factor For Week 5

By @bradberreman24

Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings, NFL Week 5

Adam Bettcher-Getty Images

The Minnesota Vikings have been looking for a viable way to replace Adrian Peterson during his time away from the team, be it for the rest of this season or for good. Matt Asiata has done a solid job since taking over the starting job, but Jerick McKinnon showed what he could do with an expanded role in Week 4.

The rookie out of Georgia Southern had 18 carries for 135 yards (highlighted by a 55-yard run) against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday, along with one catch for 17 yards (on three targets). After seeing a fairly limited snap count and just nine touches in the first three games of his career, McKinnon clearly brings a dynamic element to Minnesota’s offense that offensive coordinator Norv Turner will continue to put to use.

McKinnon came out of the victory over Atlanta with an ankle injury that  limited him in practice on Monday and Tuesday, but he does not seem to be in any danger of missing Thursday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Mike Zimmer said Asiata will remain atop the depth chart at running back, but McKinnon’s role will be a key factor for the Vikings as quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is dealing with an ankle injury of his own on a short week.

The Packers are last in the league against run through four weeks, allowing 176 yards per game on the ground, and opponents also have the most rush attempts against them (153; 38.3 per game) to this point. The Vikings will need to follow a similar formula Thursday night, no matter who winds up under center, in an effort to keep Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense off the field.

Even if Asiata finishes with more carries, McKinnon is in a position for a significant workload in a second straight game. If he can break off a long run or two, Minnesota’s chances of leaving Lambeau Field with a victory will improve dramatically.

Brad Berreman is a Columnist at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter or connect on Google +.

 

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