Sporting News: MN Running-back battle, D. Cook ready to smoke LM...
Ok, I don't make-up the titles...
It will be weird to see the Vikings feature someone other than Adrian Peterson in the backfield. For the first time in a decade, there is a question as to who will be Minnesota's lead running back to start the season.It once looked like that person would be Latavius Murray, after the former Raiders Pro Bowler signed a three-year, $15 million free-agent deal in March. That all changed when the team drafted Dalvin Cook in the second round (No. 41 overall) in April.
It was a bad sign for Murray, also dealing with recovery from offseason ankle surgery, that the Vikings aggressively traded up to get Cook. Murray's first uphill battle is just being able to get on the field healthy at some point in training camp.
So much for trusting Murray on early downs while turning to holdover scatback Jerick McKinnon on passing downs. Cook is in prime position to take the every-down work right away.
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/dalvin-cook-minnesota-vikings-training-camp-battle-competition-latavius-murray-fantasy-football/bqebstsswsq71c068221c4ml8
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
@"twgerber" said: I think people are underestimating McKinnon. He is a lock for the roster for sure.
How? He's not getting an extension, so this is his last year on the Vikings. If the Vikings like a younger guy McKinnon is expendable.
@"Bolstad79" said:@"twgerber" said: I think people are underestimating McKinnon. He is a lock for the roster for sure.
How? He's not getting an extension, so this is his last year on the Vikings. If the Vikings like a younger guy McKinnon is expendable.
I actually think McKinnon is overrated on this site. I also understand why because of his background - small school QB/RB and very impressive combine numbers and athleticism. But when I watch him he is just OK and both running, screens and is undersized for blitz pickups. He is nice to have as a backup complement to Murray and Cook but after this year and his contract I don't expect him back.
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