The Vikings announced earlier on Monday they placed RB Alexander Mattison on the COVID-19/Reserve list. Mattison will miss the Monday night game against the Bears, according to a report.
Mattison is unvaccinated, which means he will have to quarantine for 10 days, as first reported by Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. The Vikings’ backup running back is feeling fine, per Tomasson.
Minnesota definitely takes a hit to its running back unit with the news. The Vikings still have a more-than-capable primary back in Dalvin Cook. Cook also gets more days of rest in between games this week, because the Vikings played on Thursday.
However, Minnesota gave Cook 27 carries for 205 rushing yards in Week 14. The Vikings could have used depth running backs for Week 15 in Chicago. The team claimed RB Wayne Gallman off waivers, which should help replace some of Mattison’s production. Gallman has played in six games this season, all of which came with the Falcons. He had 104 on 28 carries for Atlanta this year.