Minnesota Vikings RB Jerick McKinnon aims to be a more complete player
Jerick McKinnon wants to become a more complete running back for the Minnesota Vikings, as he attempts a comeback from a back injury that ended his rookie season. Vikings running backs coach Kirby Wilson offered a positive update on McKinnon's progress, Andrew Krammer of 1500ESPN.com reports.
"Jerick is working on those things," Wilson told 1500ESPN.com. "Trying to be three phases: a runner, protecter and pass catcher and he knows it's a process. Something you have to put in the time and work ethic to get there and to his credit, he's doing that and I'm looking forward to training camp to see where he'll be when we make it real."
Offensive coordinator Norv Turner also commented on Wilson's progress, noting that there's no evidence of his recent back surgery in his play.
"I think he's building on what he did a year ago," Turner said, per 1500ESPN.com. "He's healthy, he's 100 percent. It's unfortunate he got hurt late in the year because he was having a very good rookie year. He looks quick, fast, he's going to be a good change-up guy."
McKinnon, a third-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, will see some snaps behind starting running back Adrian Peterson. Last season, with Peterson out of the lineup, McKinnon played in 11 games (six starts) and carried the ball 113 times for 538 yards.
(h/t 1500ESPN.com)
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt
