“I’m studying the plays like I’ve never studied before,” Vikings receiver Cordarrelle Patterson told reporters Monday, according to Viking Update.
The fourth-year receiver has struggled the past two seasons after a dynamite rookie campaign and now he’s being held back by a shoulder injury that he suffered on the first day of training camp.
“Just not being out there and getting mental reps is good, too,” Patterson added. “But missing time, it’s a struggle, but at the end of the day you can’t control what happens. You can’t control no injury. Nobody wants to be injured, but things happen in life that will get you a setback. It’s just how I bounce back on it and come back stronger than I’ve ever been.”
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If Patterson doesn’t make it as one of the five wide receivers (they could keep six although that’s usually not the case) he could make the team solely as a kick returner.
Cordarrelle Patterson talked to media says if he has to be just kick returner will but obviously wants to play wr
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) August 8, 2016
Stefon Diggs, Laquon Treadwell, Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright appear to be locks to take up four of the five wide receiver roster spots, while Patterson and Adam Thielen fight for the last spot.
Patterson added: “It’s just about the opportunity getting out there and doing what I’m supposed to do. Being in the right place, lined up in the right spot, not running the wrong route.”
If he can do what he did his rookie year again it’ll be a giant shot of adrenaline for the Vikings’ offense.
