4 possible replacements for Dalvin Cook in Minnesota this season
By Adam Patrick
Alexander Mattison
Some were surprised when the Vikings decided to use a third-round pick on Alexander Mattison during the 2019 NFL Draft. But Mattison quickly quieted his doubters and he showed that he has what it takes to play at the NFL level.
In 13 games last season, he rushed for a total of 462 yards and one touchdown while also catching 10 passes for 82 yards. Mattison averaged 4.6 yards per carry in 2019 and during five of his matchups, he averaged at least 5.4 yards per rushing attempt.
It’s possible that he could step in as Minnesota’s main ball-carrier in 2020. But does he have the durability to handle the workload? Mattison only appeared in 19 percent of the Vikings’ offensive snaps last season and he still ended up missing three games due to an ankle injury.
Even if Minnesota ended up adding someone from free agency or trading for a new running back, Mattison would still probably begin the season as the team’s No. 1 back. Would he be able to keep that job for the entire year though?