15 greatest Minnesota Vikings running backs of all-time
By Adam Patrick
No. 13
Jerick McKinnon (2014 - 2017)
- 58 games (14 starts)
- 1,918 rushing yards (4.0 yards per carry)
- 7 rushing touchdowns
- 142 catches, 984 receiving yards (6.9 yards per catch)
- 5 receiving touchdowns
Following the suspension of Adrian Peterson during the early part of the 2014 season, the Vikings were forced to utilize rookie Jerick McKinnon quicker than they likely anticipated. Luckily for Minnesota, McKinnon was able to provide solid production in the team's backfield, including a Week 4 performance against the Atlanta Falcons when he rushed for 135 yards.
His snaps took a dip in 2015 when Peterson returned, but in 2016 and 2017, McKinnon established himself as a great change-of-pace running back for the Vikings.
His play in 2017 was the most impressive, as he and Latavius Murray combined to help Minnesota finish with seventh-best rushing offense in the NFL despite losing Dalvin Cook in Week 4.