Gerhart may get more carries even if Peterson plays Sunday
The rookie was impressive in his first start Monday night.
By CHIP SCOGGINSascoggins@startribune.com
Toby Gerhart knew there was a decent chance he would make his first career start Monday night with Adrian Peterson questionable because of a bruised right knee. The rookie running back got the call and was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise miserable 40-14 loss to Chicago at TCF Bank Stadium.
Gerhart rushed for a season-high 77 yards on 16 carries, most of that coming in the first quarter when the game was still close. However, he also lost a fumble in the fourth quarter.
“I think we practice every week to be ready for that situation,” Gerhart said. “It’s football. You never know what’s going to happen. It could be one play and you can be thrown in there.”
Peterson’s knee injury — which he suffered when he collided with Tarvaris Jackson on a handoff exchange in the New York Giants game — sidelined him for the first time since 2007, ending his streak of 53 consecutive games. The Pro Bowl running back also is dealing with a sore right ankle.
Coach Leslie Frazier said the slippery conditions at TCF Bank Stadium did not factor into his decision to deactivate Peterson, noting he would have made the same decision in September or October.
“It wouldn’t have been wise to put him out there,” Frazier said.
With only two games left, Frazier said he will remain cautious with Peterson. Even if he plays Sunday against Philadelphia, Gerhart could continue to see an increased workload.
“It’s fun any time you get a chance to play and show what you can do,” Gerhart said. “Just go out there and do what I get paid to do, and that’s run the ball.”
Gerhart had a strong start in the lead role Monday night. He rushed for 50 yards on nine carries in the first quarter, including a 21-yard run. He ran hard and fought for tough yards. But he had only seven carries over the final three quarters as the score became lopsided.
“Toby did a great job of stepping up in Adrian’s role and was really proud of the way he carried that football,” Frazier said. “Wish we could have given it to him even more. Just that where the score ended up at, we had to throw the football a little bit more. But he did a terrific job, just like we thought he would.”
Gerhart’s role has changed in recent weeks after a slow start to his rookie season. He played very few snaps early on before gradually taking over as the third-down back. The Vikings also give Gerhart an occasional series now so that Peterson can rest.
Gerhart has carried the ball 53 times for 218 yards and one touchdown in the past four games. However, he also has fumbled three times (losing all three), including one Monday after catching a short pass.
The Vikings have been outscored 61-17 in their past two games and look like a team just playing out the string. With Peterson hurting, the team might look to give Gerhart some extra work in the final two games.
“We’ll be cautious regarding Adrian, just making sure that he can do the things he has to do in order to perform before we put him back out there,” Frazier said. “And if he can go, then he’ll get a chance to go. But if not, if there are any inhibitions, we won’t put him at risk.”
