Backup RB Toby Gerhart to take on bigger load for Minnesota Vikings in new season - NFL News
Minnesota Vikings are taking caution with the return of star running back, Adrian Peterson, who without doubt remains their best player yet.
The running back is currently recovering from torn Anterior Cruciate and Medial Collateral Ligaments.
Even though Peterson has vowed to be back on the field in time for the first game of the Vikings against Jacksonville Jaguars, the Vikings are still cautious about putting their star player back on the field so soon after he recovers from the injury.
With Peterson doubtful all eyes have turned to the Vikings other running back, Toby Gerhart, to carry the load in the absence of the star player.
Gerhart was called on a lot last season after Peterson continued to be in and out of the team due to recurring problems with injury.
This year though his load will increase greatly at the start of the season and coach, Leslie Frazier is personally monitoring his progress during the Organised Team Activities (OTAs).
Speaking to the Star Tribune after Wednesday’s practice session, Frazier said that the backup running back was still a work in progress and they are closely monitoring his performances.
He also said that Gerhart will be given a weight target to reach before showing up for the training camp.
"(Gerhart's) still a developing guy,"
Adding further he said.
“And there are some things we're going to find out in these OTAs. Before we send him home and come back to training camp, we'll give him a prescribed weight. But we wanted to take a look at him at where he is right now and just see how it would affect his
quickness. Because there's a very good chance he's going to have to really carry the load early on."
This is a big opportunity for Gerhart to show that he can help the team greatly in the absence of Peterson.
With the running back’s absence pressure will increase on still raw quarterback, Christian Ponder, with the Vikings offence becoming more dependent on him to be accurate with his passing.
This is a big year for Ponder after he struggled considerably last season and it is time for both him and Gerhart to step up and lead the offence.
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