The Minnesota Vikings are likely holding out Adrian Peterson from the preseason after training camp and that gives Jerick McKinnon the chance to start for the exhibition games along with Matt Asiata to help keep the veteran fresh and this comes as Teddy Bridgewater is expected to improve along with Cordarrelle Patterson after the addition of Mike Wallace to the offense.
The Vikings brought in Mike Wallace in a trade this offseason and his addition could make the offense much more consistent under Bridgewater. This is the second year under Norv Turner and after a solid rookie season, Bridgewater is ready to do more. Wallace fits into Turner's offense well and the coordinator said to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that bringing in Wallace will help Bridgewater and Cordarrelle Patterson, as the young receiver will have less pressure on him moving forward.
According to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Peterson likely will not be playing in the preseason and that gives McKinnon the chance to start for the Vikings. Head coach Mike Zimmer said that he likely will not play Peterson in the preseason, though that it could change as the dates get closer in training camp.
The offseason was a rocky one for Peterson, but he said to the media after making his return to camp that it was time to start moving things forward again with the Vikings. Although things could technically change by training camp, it looks like it's nearly certain that the Vikings and Peterson are sticking together for the 2015 season and potentially for the duration of his contract. Peterson made a stink about his contract and the fact that the Vikings could cut him at any time, but he came back without reworking his deal with the team.
It became almost certain that Peterson was coming back after a trade to the Dallas Cowboys did not work out and also after the draft ended without a deal happening. Peterson may still have an issue with his contract in the future, but for now that's on the back burner, but if he goes out again, McKinnon likely will step in to start and he will likely do that in the preseason.
Peterson reportedly was "uneasy" about coming back to the Vikings after the way he was placed on the exempt list last year, but his best option was always to return. The Cowboys and Cardinals were mentioned as potential landing spots for Peterson, but now a deal looks highly unlikely with training camp on the horizon. The Cardinals drafted a running back and the Cowboys have said that they are satisfied with what they have on the roster with Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle ahead of Ryan Williams and Lance Dunbar.
Peterson's agent previously went public about the situation involving his client this offseason, but according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, his "tone has changed" and he is willing to work out a new deal with the Vikings in the future. The Cowboys signed McFadden this offseason and Joseph Randle is coming in as the main backup for him. The Cowboys could sign another free agent to add behind McFadden, as they did not draft a running back this year. Jones could be more willing to make a move for a running back after getting Randy Gregory, Byron Jones and La'el Collins, as they are all first round talents coming to Dallas.