Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson suffered a right ankle injury in the first half of Sunday's game and will not return. He was replaced by Toby Gerhart in the second half.
Adrian Peterson’s day is done, Toby Gerhart’s fantasy value on the rise
Adrian Peterson suffered an injury in the first half of Sunday’s game. We break down the fantasy implications.
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
The injury did not look good as Peterson was in pain for a couple minutes before being taken to the locker room.
Gerhart has shown some flashes this season and the Vikings have even gone to him in some late-game situations. He has a ridiculous 9.2 yards per carry on the season with his 21 carries yielding 194 yards. The Vikings have also used him in the passing game a bit with 13 catches on 18 targets for 88 yards. He does only have one score on all those touches, but that’s not a surprise with Peterson around.
Fantasy impact: Obviously, Gerhart will be the hottest pickup in all of fantasy football. The Vikings do get a tougher matchup against an improving Philadelphia rushing defense, but as long as he gets his 20 carries, he’d be a must-start player. Peterson not returning is not a good sign, particularly considering the Vikings have nothing left to play for except a better draft pick.
