With the door recently opening to the Vikings starting backfield, running back Matt Asiata will receive an opportunity most dream of. The three-year vet out of Utah slides into a starting role and, for a guy who spent 2011 working in a warehouse while continuing his training in hopes of a shot in the NFL, he couldn't ask for more.
Dane Mizutani of the Pioneer Press writes that Asiata is receiving a handoff of a lifetime:
*Asiata, who started the season as Peterson's backup, already looked more like a leader Wednesday at practice, breaking down the running backs between drills for running backs coach Kirby Wilson. *
*"We've all got to raise our play around him," fullback Jerome Felton said. "I feel like I've got to play better ,and I'm going to. I'm getting my mind right to help him as much as possible. *
*"He's ready. He's excited about it and it's an opportunity. That's what this league is about -- getting opportunities and taking advantage of them." *
"These guys deserve an opportunity to go out there and perform," (Head Coach Mike) Zimmer said. "So many times in the NFL, when injuries happen or things happen ... guys go out and they perform and they have a chance to make a great career for themselves."
The NFL always has been and will continue to be 'next man up,' and now the next man up is Asiata.
Quick Hitters
- Vikings injury report: Greenway, Floyd, Loadholt out, via Master Tesfatsion of the Star Tribune.
- The Vikings deployed a treasure hunt via Twitter for their fans on Tuesday, a neat and interactive way to give out Vikings tickets to their supporters.
