Vikings haven't lost confidence
The Vikings have not lost confidence in Mattison despite Wednesday's trade for Cam Akers, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips told reporters Thursday. "Unfortunately we've had a couple turnovers in the run game where we obviously need to clean that up. Everyone's aware of that. But we still feel very strongly in Alex and [backup Ty Chandler] and those guys being able to go in and produce," Phillips told ESPN.
Mattison has had a slow start to the season with a lost fumble in Week 2 and just 62 yards rushing on 19 carries for a paltry 3.3 YPC. Akers may not play much this week against the Chargers as he gets up to speed on the offense, but could quickly move past Ty Chandler for the backup role. Given Mattison's struggles, it's not hard to envision Akers moving into a time share with Mattison. However, Akers still has much to prove after his own underwhelming performance this season (29 yards rushing on 22 attempts in Week 1).
More Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Football News
Justin Jefferson
WR | MIN
Off injury report, will play Sunday
Jefferson (hamstring) has been removed from the Vikings' injury report and will face no restrictions in his return to game action Sunday versus the Raiders, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Justin Jefferson
WR | MIN
Practices in full Wednesday
Jefferson (hamstring) practiced fully Wednesday.
Joshua Dobbs
QB | MIN
Will remain starter Week 14
Dobbs will remain Minnesota's starting quarterback Sunday against the Raiders, Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network report.
Justin Jefferson
WR | MIN
Off IR, should play after bye week
The Vikings reinstated Jefferson (hamstring) from injured reserve Tuesday.
Brandon Powell
WR | MIN
Three receptions in loss
Powell had three receptions for 45 yards on three targets and one carry for two yards in Monday's loss to Chicago.
K.J. Osborn
WR | MIN
Draws four targets in Week 12 loss
Osborn played 47 of the Vikings' 55 snaps on offense and finished with three catches for 34 yards on four targets in Monday's 12-10 loss to the Bears.
Joshua Dobbs
QB | MIN
Vikings considering QB change
Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell said the team would evaluate Dobbs' four-game performance at quarterback before naming a starter for Week 14 after a bye week, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Ty Chandler
RB | MIN
Big downturn in Week 12 loss
Chandler rushed four times for eight yards and secured one of two targets for three yards in the Vikings' 12-10 loss to the Bears on Monday night.
Jordan Addison
WR | MIN
Modest production with six catches
Addison secured six of 10 targets for 39 yards in the Vikings' 12-10 loss to the Bears on Monday night.
Alexander Mattison
RB | MIN
Garners 63 total yards in loss
Mattison rushed 10 times for 52 yards and secured both targets for 11 yards in the Vikings' 12-10 loss to the Bears on Monday night. He also fumbled once but recovered.