Vikings HC Mike Zimmer indicated Wednesday that RB Matt Asiata could get more snaps in Week 7 after playing time shifted heavily in favor of rookie RB Jerick McKinnon against Detroit.  "Matt is an extremely dependable guy," Zimmer said, per the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I would just like to see us keep using them both."  McKinnon more than tripled Asiata's playing time Sunday, and Asiata has done nothing the past 2 weeks to command more snaps.  McKinnon remains the guy with the much higher ceiling and the 1 to own in fantasy.

The Vikings aren't ready to hand rookie Jerick McKinnon a featured role.  “I think he’s a change-of-pace back for us,” HC Mike Zimmer said. “I hope we can continue to grow his role but I don’t think he’s going to be an every-down player right now.”  It's disappointing, but not surprising.  McKinnon is a raw rookie who still needs work in the passing game.  But even if the Vikings commit to getting him 12-15 touches per game, he can be an upside RB3 or flex for your fantasy team.  And we wouldn't be surprised if his role grows beyond that as the season moves along.

Vikings OC Norv Turner said RBs Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon will play against the Saints on Sunday.  He added that he "might use 1 more if he gets a hot hand."  That's a bit surprising since McKinnon doesn't seem ready for a significant role.  He's still not a Week 3 fantasy option but is definitely worth stashing.  Turner's comment makes Asiata a riskier fantasy play.  A subpar NFL talent, he's unlikely to develop that hot hand.

The Vikings have placed RB Adrian Peterson on the NFL's exempt/commissioner's permission list, barring him from all team activities.  Peterson is expected to remain away from the team until his legal issues are resolved.  His initial hearing on the child abuse charges are set for October 8, but the Montgomery County District Attorney previously suggested that a trial wasn't likely until 2015.  That means it's very possible that Peterson doesn't play again this season.  This has been and remains a fluid situation, so we'd hang on to AP if you can afford to burn a roster spot.  But RB Matt Asiata will continue to serve as Minnesota's starter for the time being and should be rostered in all leagues.  RB Jerick McKinnon is again worth stashing as a potential 2nd-half asset.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson won't play against the Patriots today.  His status beyond Week 2 remains murky.  GM Rick Spielman told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio that "all options remain on the table."  NFL Network's Ian Rapoport hears that Peterson's deactivation could last beyond this week "based on what info the Vikings receive."  Peterson owners are left in limbo for now.  You need to hang on to your 1st-round pick but prepare for a lengthy absence.  RB Matt Asiata will start against New England today and will likely hang on to lead duties for the foreseeable future.  Rookie Jerick McKinnon could push for a bigger role in the 2nd half of the season.

The Vikings have deactivated RB Adrian Peterson for this Sunday's game against the Patriots.  His status beyond that remains uncertain.  RB Matt Asiata will draw the start and is likely looking at 15+ touches.  The 2011 undrafted free agent is best known for his 3-TD explosion in Week 15 last year.  He averaged an ugly 1.7 yards per carry in that game, though.  Asiata then went for 115 yards on 14 carries in the season finale.  He averaged 3.3 yards per carry this preseason.  Asiata is a 6'0, 234-pounder who will get what's blocked but not much more.  The projected workload makes him a RB3 or flex option this week, but he doesn't carry much upside.  Rookie RB Jerick McKinnon figures to mix in for a handful of touches this weekend.  If Peterson is out for an extended period of time, McKinnon's role could eventually grow.  Click here for our updated Week 2 projections for the Vikings backfield.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson has been indicted for reckless or negligent injury to a child in North Montgomery County, Texas.  The charges apparently relate to disciplinary action Peterson took against his son.  It's unclear how the news will impact Peterson's 2014 status.  We do know that he was at practice on Friday.  The Vikings have said they will determine his Week 2 playing status soon.  RB Matt Asiata sits behind Peterson on the depth chart but is a fringe NFL talent and wouldn't carry much fantasy upside.  RB Jerick McKinnon is the more intriguing stash.  The raw but uber-talented rookie needs to prove reliable in pass protection but could emerge as a fantasy factor if Peterson misses time.

Rookie Vikings RB Jerick McKinnon led the team with 12 carries and 45 yards in Friday night's preseason opener against the Raiders.  RB Matt Asiata started, carried 3 times for 13 yards and scored the team's lone TD before turning the backfield over to McKinnon on the 2nd drive.  "Jerick has got great acceleration, he’s got great hands, he’s tough, he’s thick, he’s powerful and it showed,” HC Mike Zimmer told the Minneapolis Star Tribune afterward.  It's too early to read into the order of playing time between McKinnon and Asiata, especially considering that one's a rookie and the other a returning player.  McKinnon offers more quickness than the pounding style of Asiata, which could mean a workload split if Adrian Peterson gets hurt in the regular season.  For now, we'll continue to watch the backup battle play out before targeting either as a handcuff.

Vikings rookie RB Jerick McKinnon admits that he needs to improve as a pass blocker.  He actually spent most of his college career as a triple-option QB, only moving to RB for his senior season.  “The only thing that’s a little bit different is the pass protection," McKinnon said.  "I really hadn’t had any technique on it or been coached on it. So I’m really just looking to get with [running backs coach Kirby] Wilson and learn from the older guys the techniques and practicing on it.”  The Vikings believe McKinnon can eventually develop into an explosive change-of-pace option behind Adrian Peterson, but he might not be ready to handle a significant role in 2014.  McKinnon will battle with Matt Asiata for the #2 spot on Minnesota's depth chart.

The Vikings grabbed Georgia Southern RB Jerick McKinnon late in Round 3 of the 2014 NFL draft.  After a college career that saw him primarily play option QB, McKinnon blew up the Scouting Combine in February.  He ran a 4.41-second 40 and jumped 40.5 inches in the vertical and 11 feed in the broad.  McKinnon will likely take some time to settle into an NFL position, and will of course sit behind at least Adrian Peterson in the Minnesota backfield.  His raw talent makes him an intriguing pick in dynasty formats.