Vikings OC: People don't realize how good Mattison is

Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips is fully confident that running back Alexander Mattison is more than capable of being a primary back.

"(It's) the consistency of who he is every day, what he's put on tape every opportunity he's gotten: his multifaceted run game, pass protection, and then his hands in the pass game, his route-running ability," Phillips said, according to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune. "I think we're going to see a lot of good things, and maybe people didn't realize how good a player Alex Mattison really is."

Mattison has mostly been the No. 2 guy behind Dalvin Cook since entering the NFL as a third-round pick in 2019. The Vikings released Cook this year, ending the four-time Pro Bowler's tenure after six seasons.

The 25-year-old Mattison had a career-low 74 carries last season, finishing the campaign with 283 yards (3.8 per attempt) and five touchdowns on the ground. He also caught 15 passes.

The Boise State product signed a two-year, $7-million contract this offseason to remain with Minnesota. Mattison has amassed 2,196 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns in four NFL seasons.

"I think he's proven it over his career, when he's gotten opportunities, and he's been very productive," Phillips said. "He just always knows what he's going to do. And then he's a talented back when he's running forward. He's got more wiggle than I think some people give him credit for. There's a lot of times where the free guy in the hole, the eighth guy, he made him miss last year, and then he made some plays in the passing game as well. So it was kind of a no-brainer for us to get Alex back."

Phillips joined the Vikings last year as part of head coach Kevin O'Connell's new staff.

Minnesota's running back depth chart also features Kene Nwangwu, Ty Chandler, and seventh-round rookie DeWayne McBride.

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