| McKinnon likely to see expanded role OC Norv Turner suggests he could go with "hot hand" By: Doug Orth | Sep 18 2014, 4:30 pm
| A stout, relatively durable back (5-11, 234), Matt Asiata is the best equipped of the Vikings' current backfield to take on the heavy dosage Peterson typically commanded. Although rookie Jerick McKinnon is also expected to see an expanded role.
Running backs coach Kirby Wilson graded McKinnon well in his first extended time against the Patriots, McKinnon said, though there's certain areas he needs to work on that don't involve carrying the football. (ESPN 1500 Twin Cities)
FFToday's Take: St. Paul Pioneer Press beat writer Chris Tomasson tweeted earlier today that Turner will use both backs and could lean on one if he develops a "hot hand". McKinnon graded out well in Week 2, has reportedly picked up the playbook quickly and is the superior athlete, but it seems a bit much to ask of him to go from a jack-of-all-trades option quarterback at a FCS school to NFL lead back in less than one year. Nevertheless, he's a worthwhile stash as the situation sorts itself out.
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