Veterans RB Added by Vikings to Replace Alexander Mattison, Who Is Injured
Due to an ankle injury, Minnesota Vikings starter running back Alexander Mattison will be sidelined for Week 15, forcing the organization to add veteran Myles Gaskin to the 53-man roster.
On Friday, December 15, the day before their away game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Vikings made the announcement.
In addition, wide receiver Trishton Jackson was activated off the team’s practice squad by Minnesota because Jalen Nailor was still undergoing concussion protocol and could not play in Saturday’s matinee.
Vikings RB Myles Gaskin Might Experience Important Breaks
The Miami Dolphins selected Gaskin in the seventh round of the 2019 draft. During his four seasons in Miami, Gaskin amassed 1,355 running yards in 38 games, including 17 starts. He finished 2022 as the Dolphins’ top ballcarrier with 612 running yards, three touchdowns, and 234 receiving yards.
Gaskin may get a substantial workload even if he was on the practice squad. Nick Mullens was given the start by Kevin O’Connell, who will operate a pass-heavy game plan similar to that of Kirk Cousins.
The success of the offense will depend heavily on pass protection, particularly with left tackle Brian O’Neill sidelined this week due to an ankle ailment.
Ironically, one of Gaskins’ assets is his ability to pass protect, something Minnesota has had little faith in.
According to Pro Football Focus, among running backs who played 60 or more snaps in pass protection in 2020, Gaskins had the best pass-block efficiency rate. 71 snaps and just two rushes were permitted by him.
Throughout his tenure with the Dolphins, Gaskin was relied upon to pass block, which might result in a big amount of playing time on Saturday—especially considering Chandler’s pass protection shortcomings.
This season, Chandler has given up two hurries, two hits, and a sack on 21 pass-blocking snaps. Josh Dobbs was struck during a throw against the Denver Broncos, who intercepted the ball and went on to seize the lead in the fourth quarter of their 21-20 loss. It was the worst-case scenario of the hits.
Chandler is not supposed to be cut out of the game plan despite all of the hype about pass protection. Although Gaskin is the most explosive rushing back in Minnesota, it’s vital to remember that a back like him is more advantageous to the offensive plan.
Vikings defeat the Bengals as underdogs
Even if Justin Jefferson is expected to play on Saturday, the Vikings are still viewed as road underdogs since O’Neill and Mattison’s absence will severely hurt the rest of the offense.
The Vikings (7-6) are at least 3-point underdogs against the Bengals (7-6) in a low-scoring game, according to the majority of major sportsbooks.
Both teams will use their backup quarterbacks; Minnesota’s Mullens will be making his first start of the year, while former Vikings backup Jake Browning will lead Cincinnati.
Despite losing their starting quarterbacks for the season, two of the league’s best wide receivers, Jefferson and former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase, will try to put on a show.
On October 29, Cousins had an Achilles injury that ended his season, and on November 24, Joe Burrow was placed on injured reserve in preparation for wrist surgery that would finish his season.
