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With Peterson Out, Vikings’ McKinnon Steps Back Into Spotlight

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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — With the timetable for Adrian Peterson’s return uncertain after his surgery Thursday, the Vikings turn their hopeful eyes to some combination of Jerick McKinnon, Matt Asiata, and maybe at some point, Ronnie Hillman.

Coach Mike Zimmer has said that McKinnon will be the starter.

So now, the third-year former college quarterback enters the spotlight.

In reality this is nothing new for McKinnon. He’s been there, done this before. Two years ago, when Adrian Peterson missed all but one game with legal trouble, the Vikings initially turned to Matt Asiata as the featured back, but after four games, McKinnon took over that role — and did it well.