There could be some Minnesota Vikings' fans who have forgotten that Cordarrelle Patterson is on the team. The former first-round draft pick has had a terrible start to his NFL career while this season is not looking much better for him. After getting demoted from being a starter, Patterson's targets are now going to fifth-round draft pick Stefon Diggs who could be the next-best receiver for the Vikings.
It is now or never for Patterson. The wide receiver got the start in Week 4 after Charles Johnson was ruled out with injury and Jarius Wright was also banged up. Through three games, Patterson has one catch for three yards. He did not step up to the challenge against the Denver Broncos, recording just one catch for nine yards. Granted the entire Vikings' team struggled as Teddy Bridgewater was sacked seven times in the game, but the numbers are working against Patterson who is quickly being replaced.
The Vikings believe they have a star in the making in Diggs as his teammates are noticing the talent. The receiver has 87 yards on the season from just six catches and is quickly earning the praise of those around him as the Vikings get the rookie more involved in the offense.
"He could be better than me," Mike Wallace said, via Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "He's young. When I came in [with Pittsburgh in 2009], I was playing well as a young guy, but I had one assignment: Beat them deep. Diggs is already running the full route treatment from Day One."
The Vikings need Diggs as injuries begin to pile up. Both Wallace and Johnson did not practice on Tuesday according to ESPN's Ben Goessling. Wright was back with the group and has appeared to heal up after the weekend which is a good sign. There is no word as to what the status of Wallace and Johnson are, but regardless it means that Diggs continues to get time on the field. The issue is that Patterson does not.
According to the Pioneer Press, the Vikings have no plans of trading Patterson at any point, but a release should not be ruled out. At this point, the Vikings would be lucky to get trade interest in the receiver and might have to just admit fault and release him. Diggs is giving the Vikings a reason to make the move as the team grows more confident in what he can do. The Vikings have a bye week this week which means they are given plenty of time to rest before reporting to practice next Monday. Wallace and Johnson have plenty of time to heal and get ready to be back on the field.
