Just one week after losing Cam Akers (Achilles) to a season-ending injury, the Minnesota Vikings are likely to be down another running back in Week 11.
Alexander Mattison hasn't impressed the Minnesota coaches or fantasy managers who selected him as an RB2 in drafts this summer. It's definitely not frustrating at all to see "Alexander Mattison rushed up the middle for a one-yard loss" over and over again while the Vikings are inside the five-yard line. Through ten games, Mattison has totaled negative yards while in prime scoring position.
That's part of the reason why the Vikings traded for Akers, and are now giving playing time to Ty Chandler. Both have a red zone rushing touchdown this season. Mattison does not. An injury to the starter may shift the tides in the Vikings' backfield.
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Alexander Mattison Injury Update for Fantasy Football
Mattison suffered a concussion during the Vikings win over the New Orleans Saints and did not return to the game. He is officially in the league's concussion protocol.
It's close to becoming a guarantee that if a player suffers a concussion, they will not be playing the following week. There is still a slight chance that Mattison will be able to clear protocol, so it's worth watching throughout the week. But if you're relying on the ex-Boise State Bronco for your lineup, it's advised you start making alternate plans.
Minnesota brought back veteran running back Myles Gaskin to their practice squad. If Mattison is out, he'll be active and could steal opportunities from Chandler and Kene Nwangwu. Chandler will get the first crack at carries.
Alexander Mattison Fantasy Football Outlook
When Akers suffered his Achilles injury, the belief was that Mattison would regain full command of the backfield, as was the case at the beginning of the season. Instead, the coaching staff added Chandler to the rotation. Before Mattison's departure, the veteran had eight carries and the rookie logged seven.
Minnesota is infatuated with Chandler's speed and what he can do with the ball in his hands. Just like many other rookies, however, he doesn't do the small things to help the offense. Mattison is trusted to protect Joshua Dobbs in passing situations.
That will help keep Mattison on the field when he's healthy. Moving forward, expect this backfield to be around a 60/40 split. If Chandler impresses against the league's worst rush defense (Denver) in Week 11, he could continue to steal touches from Mattison.
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