Sunday’s Vikings-Panthers game at TCF Bank Stadium will feature Minnesota’s leading rusher sitting on the sidelines with a back injury.
On Friday, the Vikings listed running back Jerick McKinnon doubtful on the injury report and the rookie told reporters he won’t play.
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McKinnon, according to the Star Tribune, has been bothered by the back injury for weeks.
“It’s been lingering a little bit, but it’s nothing I can’t play through,” he said Friday. “It’s just a matter of taking precaution and doing what’s right.”
Matt Asiata, Joe Banyard and Ben Tate, who the Vikings claimed off waivers from the Browns last week, are the remaining running backs on the depth chart. But it’s unknown who will start and whether any of the three will receive more of the workload. Banyard had five carries for 26 yards and three receptions last week against Green Bay.
Pro Football Talk notes that whoever carries the ball could have a nice day on the ground. Carolina allows 119 rushing yards per game.
The other two players with a questionable status for the game are tight end Chase Ford and defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd (knee). Floyd missed last week’s game because of the injury.
