The Vikings got three touchdowns from Matt Asiata a couple of weeks ago when Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart were out of the lineup and they’ll be looking for the same kind of production from him again this week.
Coach Leslie Frazier announced on Friday afternoon that Asiata will start the season finale against the Lions. Peterson is doubtful to play because of injuries to both his groin and foot. Frazier said that Peterson would be out there if the team felt he was ready, but the safe money is on Peterson having played his final snap for the 2013 season.
Gerhart may have played his final snap with the Vikings altogether. He’ll miss Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury and will head into free agency this offseason without a chance to pull a George Costanza and leave everyone wanting more. Gerhart gained 283 yards on 36 carries when he was healthy this year and has been a reliable backup for Peterson for the last four years, which may lead to a shot at a bigger workload elsewhere this offseason.