Vikings Beat: RB Jerick McKinnon 'should be more of a factor' starting in Week 3

Sep 18, 2014

Vikings RB Jerick McKinnon, a third-round pick last May, is 5-foot-9, 208-pounds and can be used in the running and the passing game. He had two rushing attempts for 7 yards and two catches for 5 yards last Sunday.

He wasn't really part of the game plan and that was understandable. Turner likely spent last week working the running portion of the plan around Peterson before the back was indicted on Thursday and had to leave the team. Peterson was then inactive against the Patriots.

McKinnon is a fluid receiver and appears to have playmaking ability. He definitely should be more of a factor starting Sunday.

Fantasy Impact:

McKinnon is an athletic freak whom the Vikings drafted in the 3rd round to ultimately become the change of pace to Adrian Peterson (and possibly his successor). His ability is on display in this highlight video, especially during the run at the 2:00 mark. Matt Asiata is the RB1 for now, but it's not clear how long the team will live with his pedestrian 3.6 YPC. McKinnon has more upside.

today

Jaguars TE Evan Engram out for the remainder of the season

J.P. Shadrick

1 hour ago

TE Evan Engram out for the season. Surgery coming on labrum in shoulder.

Related Players: Brenton Strange, Luke Farrell, Josiah Deguara

Fantasy Impact:

Bummer for Engram, who will finish the season as the TE16 with 7.3 half-PPR PPG in nine weeks.

It's unlikely that Strange pops up as a TE streamer through the remainder of the season, with no more byes on the horizon.

yesterday

Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown's practice window to open "Friday or Monday"

Ian Rapoport

yesterday · 7:56 PM EST

Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown has received final clearance to practice, paving the way for him to play before the regular season ends.

Brown, who is recovering from surgery to repair his SC joint, should have his window opened Friday or Monday. The team will be cautious.

Fantasy Impact:

If Brown were cleared by Week 17, he would be incredibly tough to start in pretty much any sort of fantasy league with Championships on the line. However, he could be an interesting click for Playoff-only leagues if he can ramp up in time.

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker misses second straight practice

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 7:53 PM EST

For a second straight day today, Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III didn’t practice due to his calf injury.

Related Players: Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh

Fantasy Impact:

Looks like things should be cleared out for Charbonnet once again in what could be a very close game against the Packers. If Walker misses Week 15, fire Charbs up as a high-end RB2.