Running back Dalvin Cook is reportedly refraining from team-related activities until he receives a revised contract, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
With Cook currently doing that, there’s always a chance that the Vikings will need other running backs to step up, especially early on in the season. One of those running backs could be Alexander Mattison.
Mattison is coming off a rookie season in which he had 462 yards and a rushing touchdown. To Bleacher Report, he is the Vikings’ most intriguing project player. Here’s what it said about the choice:
Depending on how long Cook holds out, Mattison could be Minnesota’s top option. He performed at a similar level as Cook in multiple advanced statistics, including average yards after contact, broken tackles per carry and first down plus touchdown percentage, per Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus.
There’s also Mike Boone, who had 273 yards this past season. He started two games, too.