Toby

Gerhart

“Yeah, he’s doing fine,” Frazier said. “Not going to have to have surgery. Should be good to go when we start our OTAs.” After averaging 20.4 touches and 98.8 yards in five late-season games, Gerhart will earn RB3 consideration this summer with Adrian Peterson’s health in question.

Frazier said Peterson was “very close” to playing Sunday against the Lions. Peterson will end up missing three games with a high ankle sprain, and should be at or near 100 percent after the extended layoff. Toby Gerhart will resume clear-cut backup duties. Percy Harvin will continue to be featured in Minnesota’s passing game with Michael Jenkins on injured reserve.

Peterson’s left knee ''bent backwards’’ on a hit by FS DeJon Gomes and had to be assisted off the field by the Vikings’ training staff. He was later shown being carted off to the locker room for further evaluation. This has the look of a serious injury. Peterson had 14 total touches for 52 yards with a touchdown before leaving.

Gerhart came off the bench for Adrian Peterson and provided a huge spark for the Vikings with a 64-yard run that set up a Joe Webb nine-yard touchdown in the third quarter. He continues to prove his value as an above-average backup, and will be a must-own handcuff for Peterson owners going into next season.

Peterson has resumed jogging, at least, and the Vikings are now targeting Week 14 for his return. Toby Gerhart, who was held to two yards or fewer on 12 of his 17 carries in Week 12, will get an easier matchup this week against the Broncos’ No. 19 run defense. Gerhart was stuffed relentlessly by the Falcons, also struggling in short yardage and blitz pickup. He’s a low-end RB2.

All signs point toward Peterson making his return against the Saints Sunday. He traveled to Detroit last week and worked out before the game, but the Vikings exercised caution by holding him out. Now Peterson should be close to full strength. Despite missing the last three games, Peterson is fantasy’s No. 5 running back in non-PPR formats.

Gerhart has earned a bigger role thanks to a per-carry average of 5.0 yards in games missed by Adrian Peterson down the stretch, but the Vikes may look to add a third-down back this offseason. Lorenzo Booker made too many mistakes in 2011 to be guaranteed a roster spot.

Gerhart’s two touchdowns were fluky, the first coming on a quick shovel pass from 10 yards out and the second on a well-blocked screen from 16 yards away. We’d say his role was expanded because Adrian Peterson (ankle) isn’t 100 percent yet, but that wasn’t necessarily the case. Gerhart did seem to overtake Peterson on passing downs during comeback mode, often being used in blitz protection and as a receiver. Regardless, Gerhart won’t be a fantasy option in Week 16 against the Redskins.

When Peterson missed Week 15 of last season, Gerhart rushed 16 times for 77 yards and added three catches for 18 yards in a loss to the Bears. This time, he gets a Falcons defense that has been smothering folks against the run of late and is giving up just 3.8 yards per carry on the year. Still, Gerhart is worth an add in most formats as he’s a good bet for 15-20 touches as long as Peterson sits. And with the Vikings at 2-8, they may err on the side of caution with their franchise back.

The Grade 1 characterization is the most mild high ankle sprain possible. Peterson is still going to be very questionable to play in Week 12, but glass-half full fantasy owners can view it as a positive with a matchup with Atlanta’s stout run defense on the slate. While Peterson is one of the league’s most durable players and a noted quick healer, he’s still likely to be sidelined for one game. That means the running load in Minnesota would fall on Toby Gerhart and Percy Harvin. Gerhart struggled against the Raiders on Sunday and has a tough Week 12 matchup, but is still a must add in all formats. Harvin may actually get the biggest boost in terms of surefire fantasy starters. The Vikings have used him at tailback in I-formation packages this season. He carried the rock five times in Week 11.