Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Week 14 was known for one thing: the weather. The Minnesota Vikings took on the Baltimore Ravens in what looked like a blizzard. This game was bad until the last two minutes of the fourth quarter. On top of losing the game, the Vikings lost thing else — or someone to be exact.
Adrian Peterson suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter. He had seven carries for 13 yards up to that point, which the weather had a lot to do with. He didn’t return to the game, and many thought his season was over. It was reported on Monday that the CT scan showed no fractures or damage to the ligaments.
Backup running back Toby Gerhart came in and played really well in relief. He racked up 89 yards on 15 carries and scored a touchdown. Unfortunately for the Vikings, he suffered a hamstring injury on his touchdown run. Head coach Leslie Frazier didn’t show much concern over Gerhart’s injury, which is good considering his star player may miss Week 15. Peterson said he plans to play on Sunday, but nothing can be determined until he is out of the walking boot.
With the poor quarterback situation in Minnesota, Gerhart could see a lot of carries if he’s able to play. The matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles is decent. They allow 15.5 fantasy points to opposing running backs, 15th in the league.
If you own Peterson, you are certainly putting in a claim for Gerhart, who’s owned in one percent of ESPN.com leagues. If you do not, I wouldn’t bother unless you are desperate for a running back. Odds are though, you have three or four better options. Playing at home in Week 15, the conditions should be a lot better. Just keep an eye on Gerhart’s hamstring status leading up to Sunday.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy football writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Mr_Piv1127.
