The Minnesota Vikings are not using Adrian Peterson for the preseason, but having him back ahead of Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata should give Teddy Bridgewater some solid depth on offense at running back and this comes as the team may push rookie Trae Waynes into the starting rotation with Xavier Rhodes and Terence Newman if he keeps improving.
The Vikings are coming into the season with high expectations and with Bridgewater having a solid rookie season, he could take another step in year two. Getting Adrian Peterson back is going to be significant after he missed nearly all of last season while on the commissioner's exempt list, as he is still one of the best backs in football. Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata got experience last season with Peterson out and now they can provide some solid depth in the running game.
The defense is looking to get better and the team thinks that rookie Trae Waynes can make an impact right away. According to ESPN.com, defensive coordinator George Edwards said that Waynes has the potential to be a starter and that he is "right on course" in his preparations for the season. Edwards added that the team is "aiming for" Waynes to be a starter early on and that they will evaluate things over the next two weeks.
The Vikings have Xavier Rhodes, Terence Newman and Captain Munnerlyn on the roster and clearly they want to give Waynes a chance to step up. Waynes has worked on the outside with Rhodes this summer and the team has used Rhodes, Waynes and Newman when the team is in three cornerback sets. If Waynes doesn't start right away, he will have the chance to prove himself and could get significant playing time this season. Depending on Waynes does, Newman could work more in the slot this season.
Peterson has been out for the first three preseason games for the Vikings (the team has had two regular preseason games and the HOF game) and that was the plan all along for the team. Peterson is coming back after missing 15 games last season and after an offseason filled with trade rumors and other contract issues, the running back is likely ready to get back onto the field. Peterson had just 75 yards last season in one game while dealing with his off the field issues and now he will take over again as the starter.
McKinnon is coming in after rushing for 538 yards in 11 games as a rookie and he will be the primary backup for Peterson. McKinnon could see some work on third downs, as he was solid out of the backfield with 27 catches last season. McKinnon and Asiata could get some extra work if the Vikings don't want to give Peterson too major of a workload to start the season.
Check here for more on the Minnesota Vikings, Waynes and the RB depth with Peterson and McKinnon.