Accidents have attempted to decelerate Minnesota’s emergence as a playoff risk. Justin Jefferson has neglected 5 directly video games, Kirk Cousins neglected a few video games and received’t go back in 2023, Christian Darrisaw and Okay.J. Osborn had been banged up, and operating backs Cam Akers and Alexander Mattison were given harm.
RB Reinforcements Arrive for Vikings
Akers is out for the season together with his 2nd ruptured Achilles tendon. This time, it’s the opposite leg. He was once bought previous within the season by way of industry to spell starter Mattison. The veteran was once re-signed within the offseason to develop into the brand new most sensible man at the intensity chart with out Dalvin Prepare dinner within the construction. That hasn’t labored, because the operating sport is the group’s greatest weak spot.
Mattison suffered a concussion on Sunday and is predicted to omit one sport, so basic supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had to do so and upload any person to the already skinny operating again staff. The one different runners at the group are Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu at the 53-man roster and DeWayne McBride at the follow squad.
There aren’t any premier backs to be had this overdue within the season, and scheme familiarity and in all probability group familiarity are most well-liked traits. The Vikings made the logical selection and re-signed Myles Gaskin, a participant that they had on their group previous within the season. He was once signed after he didn’t make Miami’s roster. After all, Minnesota wanted some veteran intensity in the back of Mattison and the younger guys, particularly ahead of Akers arrived.
Adam Schefter reported on X: “Again to Minnesota: The Vikings are signing operating again Myles Gaskin to their follow squad after the Rams signed him clear of Minnesota, in step with supply.”
The Vikings moved him between the roster and follow squad a few instances, essentially to open roster spots and to avoid wasting cash. When the Rams suffered a couple of accidents to operating backs, Sean McVay poached Gaskin from the follow squad ahead of liberating him more or less 3 weeks later.
Gaskin gave the impression in two video games in 2023, one with the Vikings and one with the Rams. He didn’t get a unmarried snap on offense in both of the ones alternatives. On the other hand, he has a lot of revel in within the NFL, beginning 17 of 38 video games in Miami.
The previous Washington Huskie rushed 361 instances for 1,355 yards in his four-year stint in Florida and rushed for seven touchdowns. He additionally stuck 101 passes for 701 yards, offering a cast pass-cathing skill from the backfield.
He’ll now be positioned at the follow squad and in all probability increased on Sunday within the matchup with the Denver Broncos. Chandler will probably deal with the beginning function if Mattison can’t move. Gamers normally want a few weeks to get out of concussion protocol.
Chandler rushed 15 instances for 45 yards and a landing on Sunday. A preserving flag additionally value him some other giant landing run, and the numbers are deflated on account of evident late-game runs to take a little time off the clock. He has proven the vital burst to be an efficient runner, and his pace may just open up some holes. Head trainer Kevin O’Connell claimed he was once excited to look his sophomore get some extra probabilities going ahead after Akers’ damage, however he’ll tackle a bigger workload than anticipated.
Gaskin is the logical selection if operating again intensity is wanted, as he’s accustomed to the offense. The 26-year-old is not going to have an enormous rule, however he may get his first carries of the season.
Janik Eckardt is a soccer fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings become his favourite group regardless of their quarterback on the time, Christian Contemplate. He’s a strolling football encyclopedia, loves observing sitcoms, and Vintage rock is his track style of selection. Observe him on Twitter when you just like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
