Minnesota Vikings’ running back Jerick McKinnon is more than eager to take on the lead running back role for the Vikings if for some reason Adrian Peterson does not play for the team in 2015.
Vikings general manager Rick Spielman continues to claim the team wants Peterson back this season. However, there remains a strong possibility that Peterson could be traded to another team due to running back’s “uneasiness” to return to the Vikings.
This is where the 22-year-old McKinnon would hope to step in. In an interview with the Pioneer Press this week, McKinnon shared these ambitious comments.
If A.P. comes back, there’s no doubt he’s going to be the starter. But it’s not going to change my mind-set or how I approach things or how I work. Whatever they do, my mind-set is to come in and be that guy next year.
McKinnon also claims that he is completely recovered from a back surgery he had last December.
There’s no doubt in my mind I can last the season. If that’s something I have to prove, that’s not a big deal for me. I’ll prove it this year. I’m just really excited to get back out there with my teammates and coaches and show how far I’ve come since surgery.
McKinnon did show some potential as a rookie. He tallied 538 rushing yards and averaged 4.8 yards per attempt. However, the Vikings’ plan to retain Peterson would put McKinnon in a complementary role next season.
Photo: USA Today